Bournemouth have announced the signing of St Etienne winger Max Gradel to a four-year contract as the Ivory Coast international returns after spending two separate loan spells at the club in 2008.
I am so happy. I had a great time here before so I’m very excited to be back," Gradel told the club website. "It feels a little bit strange because everything has changed. When I first arrived today I didn’t recognise the club, but I am very happy to see it is all moving in a good direction. Not many people will understand why I came to Bournemouth. I had offers for more money and bigger clubs but in football you have to go where you will be happy."
The 27-year-old joined St Etienne from Leeds in 2011 and scored 17 goals in 23 starts for the French side last season. However, Gradel said Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was one of the main reasons for his return to Vitality Stadium.
“There were other options, like to play Champions League football in Russia, but I decided to come here because I like Eddie a lot. He’s always been there for me so it's a big honour to now come and play for him. Of course he’s a good manager but on top of that he's a good person and we have a good relationship. I trust him and I am looking forward to working with him.”
