Eddie Howe: 'It was difficult to let Harry Arter leave Bournemouth'

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has said that he "cannot speak highly enough" of midfielder Harry Arter.

The 28-year-old has spent the last eight seasons with the south coast outfit, playing a part during the club's journey up the English league pyramid and into the Premier League.

However, Arter has now been allowed to leave the Cherries to pen a season-long loan deal at Cardiff City, and Howe has acknowledged that it was "difficult" to allow the Republic of Ireland international to exit the Vitality Stadium.

At a press conference, Howe told reporters: "It was very difficult to let Harry Arter go to Cardiff, his journey epitomises that of the team and the club.

"I can't speak highly enough of him, he desperately wanted to play."

Arter will not be able to feature when Bournemouth and Cardiff meet in their Premier League opener on Saturday afternoon.