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Sylvain Distin admits that his long spell in Everton exile last season forced him to reflect whether he wanted to carry on his long and distinguished football career.

But just weeks into his new life at Bournemouth he feels revitalised and raring to go.

After making 17 appearances from the opening day of the season, Distin fell out of favour with boss Roberto Martinez following an FA Cup draw with West Ham on January 6 and didn’t feature again until a poignant cameo farewell appearance on the final day of the season against Tottenham.

He said: “I went through a tough place last season so I needed to reflect a bit and make sure I wanted to carry on.

“At Everton the last four months were just about training and keeping fit, so it wasn’t enjoyable. As a player you want to be able to compete.

“It took me two weeks to think about the move to Bournemouth, but the passion was still there and fitness-wise I still felt good, so I decided to carry on.

“And from that moment I felt excited by this challenge. I could have waited to see what other offers would come.”

The Frenchman may be 37 now but he says he loves the thrill of playing more than ever.

He said: “Ask the manager and the other players, who have seen me in training, whether they think I’m here to retire or here to compete. I’m a competitor and I love it. That’s my passion.

“I don’t watch football on TV, I don’t know the name of every player or every stadium and I can’t remember the results of matches I played two weeks ago.

“Instead, I just love to play games and train hard. I also love to compete and that’s why I’m here.”

Distin insists the prospect of playing at a club unspoilt by the trappings of Premier League fame was also appealing.

Six years ago Bournemouth were facing administration and in danger of dropping out of the Football League altogether. Now they are preparing to meet Aston Villa in Saturday’s Premier League opener at the Vitality Stadium.

“Bournemouth’s story stimulates me. It’s very refreshing and I told the manager that. All the lads are very humble and generous in their work,” Distin said.

“They haven’t been touched by the amazing things that the Premier League brings, maybe, but also they haven’t been touched by the downside. The complacency, taking things easy, taking it for granted.

“They know they are living the dream now and they want to fight hard to keep that dream alive. It’s beautiful and refreshing for me to experience that.”