Justin Kluivert says it was an "amazing feeling" to reach the Europa League final in 2016-17 but now he would "really like to achieve" something similar with Bournemouth.

The 27-year-old netted the Cherries' first-ever goal in European competition in a historic 2-1 win over Real Sociedad last month.

Speaking in a pre-match news conference, before Bournemouth take on AC Milan on Thursday night, Kluivert said: "I remember being in the Europa League final just six months into my time in Ajax's first team.

"We lost to Manchester United, but it was an amazing feeling. Now that I'm older and I haven't been in any more finals, I know how special that moment was.

"It was a beautiful achievement and something I would really like to achieve - and I believe we can achieve - at Bournemouth this season."

When asked if he ever envisaged playing in Europe when he signed for Bournemouth in June 2023, Kluivert replied: "This club has done a good job of attracting players that have already played in European competition before, so it is clear the owner has always been ambitious.

"It is a big credit to him for finding and recruiting these types of players. We have reached the Europa League now so it is time to show our ability at this level, as we have done before.

"AC Milan on Thursday and Manchester United on Sunday is what you dream of as a little boy. You don't need motivation for these kinds of games."

He also provided a special message to Cherries fans before what will be "a special occasion" at the Vitality Stadium: "It is going to be a battle of the red and black stripes.

"I want to hear them cheering a lot, as they've done in our previous games. Please don't stop singing, chanting and enjoying the night with us, even if it is raining.

"Let's try to enjoy it all together. It is going to be a special night that every single person will enjoy and we will try to be victorious for you."