CHRIS Mepham has expressed his love for Cherries, sharing how he was "very settled" on the south coast.

It was announced today that the defender had extended his stay with Cherries until June 2025, with the club moving to secure his services as he entered the final year of his deal.

Welsh international Mepham arrived on the south coast in January 2019 from Brentford and has since featured 86 times for Cherries.

On the fringes of Cherries’ squad during the promotion campaign from the Championship last year, Mepham has missed just eight minutes of Premier League action this campaign, starting in all six of his side's games so far.

Brought to the club by Eddie Howe, the former Bees man has now played under five different bosses whilst at the Vitality Stadium.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo prior to signing a new deal, the 24-year-old shared: “I certainly love it here.

"Me and my partner are very settled down here, obviously been here for a while now.

“Obviously I've got an opportunity to showcase myself at this level again.

“I'm really happy here and what an amazing opportunity to play in the Premier League this season.”

Speaking in March when the defender was out of the team, previous boss Scott Parker shared how he thought Mepham was "not happy" with his situation at the club.

"It’s really tough. It’s not only tough for Meps, it’s tough for me as well," Parker said at the time.

"These are the decisions I have to constantly make. There is good competition there.

"So, as always, these players need to carry on being very professional and consistent, while I understand probably not happy.

"I’m sure Chris is not happy with the situation."

Capped 31 times by Wales, Mepham is one of the more experienced players when it comes to the Premier League at Cherries, despite his tender age.

He has now featured in 31 games in the top-flight, with only nine teammates playing in more Premier League games, whilst no other player has been capped more times for their country.

Midfielder Ryan Christie also has 31 caps for Scotland, whilst Jefferson Lerma is just behind with 30 games for Colombia.

With an opportunity to showcase his abilities with an extended run in the team, Mepham is aware that he must continue to work hard to retain his starting spot.

“You can only sort of control what is in your hands,” added the Hammersmith-born defender.

“I got given an opportunity to show what I'm about and to try stake a claim and feel like I've done that.

“But it all goes out the window if you don't back it up and now it's on me to show in training, show in these games that you good enough to stay in there and this is my level.”