Atsu optimistic ahead of new season

Christian Atsu has painted a picture of a positive and unified atmosphere at Bournemouth as the Cherries continue their Premier League preparations in the United States.

The Ghana winger is a new face at Dean Court, having moved to the club at the end of last season on a year-long loan deal from Chelsea.

The international will be hoping for a positive campaign, following the disappointment of his desperate time on loan at Everton last term.

Fortunately, the Black Star appears to be adapting well to life with the south-coast side, who recently rounded off their week-long training camp in the States with a 4-1 triumph over Philadelphia Union earlier this week.

The 23-year-old made his debut in that match, and has discussed his optimism ahead of the new campaign.

“I think it is so fun to be with these great guys,” he began, as reported by the club’s official website, “I’m getting used to them and I think that now we are a team.

“When you look at the activities that we did, it was so fun and we did a lot,” he continued.

“We laughed together and you can see a great unity and team spirit between us.

“I really enjoyed it. You can see I am very happy in the team and I am hoping and praying that we will have a great season.”

The ex-FC Porto also went on to discuss the role Tokelo Rantie—Bournemouth’s South African striker—has played in the settling in process.

“He’s a really good friend of mine because I met him at the African Cup of Nations,” Atsu concluded.

“When I came here I saw him and Africans we are together, so I think I am good with him.”