Sylvain Distin has insisted that he did not join Bournemouth just to see out the twilight years of his career.

Distin joined Bournemouth on a free transfer this summer but at 37, many are doubtful that the Frenchman will be able to produce his best for the Premier League new boys.

Despite the reservations, the former Everton star has insisted that he has joined the Cherries to compete and added that he is not looking to ease into retirement anytime soon.

Distin said: "Have I come here to retire? Ask the manager and the other players who have seen me in training whether they think I am here to retire or to compete.

"I am a competitor. It's my passion. I may not watch football on TV, I don't know the name of every player or stadium, I can't remember the results of matches I played two weeks ago. But I love to play and train hard."