Bournemouth’s latest signing Sylvain Distin has admitted the club face a tough task to stay in the Premier League but insists it is a challenge he will try to enjoy.

The Cherries, who are 2.25 to be relegated from the top flight next season, announced the signing of the 37-year-old on Wednesday after the player’s contracted expired at previous club Everton.

Having made 210 appearances for the Toffees, former Portsmouth centre-back Distin is looking forward to a new challenge on the south coast with Bournemouth, as the Premier League newcomers look to avoid the drop back down to the Championship.

He told the club’s official website: “There is a lot you can say about the Premier League but the most important thing is to live it, to be into it and that’s what’s going to happen to them.

“It’s an amazing experience, it’s an amazing place to be and you just have to enjoy it. It’s amazing at my age to still be here – that’s going to be an amazing challenge as well.

“It’s a tough one, I’m fully aware of it, but very exciting and there’s no better place to be.”

The journey for the Cherries under manager Eddie Howe in the top flight begins on August 8 when they host Aston Villa at the Goldsands Stadium.

Bournemouth are 2.10 to win, 3.20 to draw and Villa are 3.60 to take all three points.