Sylvain Distin says he is planning to make the absolute most out of his new Premier League opportunity with AFC Bournemouth.

The 37-year old defender was recently handed an English top flight lifeline by the promoted Cherries after leaving Everton at the culmination of last season.

Distin is well aware that life as a footballer can be cut short at any moment which has prompted him to take an open mindset into his one-year deal with the Dorset outfit.

"It is difficult at my age to think about the future. If I was the oldest outfield player in the Premier League last season then clearly, I will be again this time," Distin, who has 457 Premier League appearances with Newcastle United, Manchester City, Portsmouth and the Toffees, told the Daily Echo.

"You cannot predict what the future is going to bring, a lot depends on whether I am still enjoying it and whether I can still do it physically. There are a lot of parameters not in my hands.

"I need to focus and do what I did last season. After that, I will sit back and reflect on what happened. I will have to decide if the passion is still there and if it is, then why not (continue)?

"But I am going to be 38. There are not many players around doing what I am and there is a reason for that.

"It is not going to last forever but I am comfortable with that because I played at the right clubs at the right times and enjoyed myself. It is not something I fear.

"I am not thinking 'I don't want to stop, I must carry on' because that is not me. I will stop when I feel the time is right."