DEFENDER Nathan Ake insisted he always knew he would face Cherries once again and added: “It was good to see them go up.”

Ake played 121 times for the Dorset club in total, having signed from Chelsea for £20million in 2017 following a successful loan spell.

The former Feyenoord youngster joined Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in August 2020 for £41million, following Cherries’ relegation from the top flight.

He has gone on to win two Premier League titles and a League Cup with City.

Speaking about facing Cherries for the first time tomorrow since his move, the Netherlands international said: “It will be good to see them again. There has been lots of change since I was there to be fair, the manager is different and a lot of the stuff is different.

“It will be different, but it will be good to see some familiar faces.

“I follow them when I can and also it was good to see them go up. I knew this day would come that I would face them again. I am looking forward to it.

“Some of them I still keep in contact with. Dominic Solanke is there and he was at my wedding, so it will be good to see him as well. I will see him after the game.”

Scott Parker’s side began their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa last time out, while Ake helped City overcome West Ham 2-0.

He added: “They will be tough opposition to play against, even when we play at home, but we are ready to go.”