Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Newcastle United can today confirm the signing of Vurnon Anita from Ajax.

The 23-year-old Dutch international midfielder, who can also play as a full-back, has put pen to paper on a five-year-deal at the Sports Direct Arena, and will wear the number eight shirt.

 

Anita joined the renowned Ajax youth set-up in 1999 and progressed through the ranks at the Amsterdam Arena before making his debut in March 2006.

His European debut arrived the following season and Anita went on to establish himself as a key member of Ajax's squad, as they won back-to-back Eredivisie titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12.

Born on the island of Curaçao, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea, Anita has been capped three times for Holland since his international bow in May 2010.

"We are delighted to secure the services of Vurnon," said United manager Alan Pardew.

"He is an exceptionally talented footballer with great technical ability, which is exactly what I'm looking at in a player. And, at 23-years-old, we hope his best years are at Newcastle.

"He has come through the Ajax youth system which is world renowned for bringing up players the right way, and I am sure he will fit seamlessly into the squad of players we have here.

"Vurnon has done his pre-season, and indeed already played one competitive game, so he's up to speed and ready to play when I need him."

 

http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20120816/united-complete-anita-signing_2281670_2886620

Link to post
Share on other sites

Fresh from winning the Dutch title in each of the last two seasons, Newcastle new boy Vurnon Anita is excited at the prospect of a new challenge in the Barclays Premier League.

 

And having tasted success in most of Holland's major competitions during his time at Ajax, the 23-year-old - who will take the number eight shirt after

signing from Ajax on Thursday morning - now hopes to challenge for silverware on Tyneside.

 

In an exclusive first interview with nufc.co.uk, the three-times capped Oranje international also revealed how Tim Krul helped to convince him to join the Magpies - and confirmed his favourite position.

 

During eight seasons in the first-team at Ajax, Anita lifted the Eredivisie title and the Dutch Super Cup twice, as well as the Dutch Cup on three occasions, as well as playing in the Champions League and Europa League.

 

He said: "I won almost everything in Holland so the step was not difficult to make. Now I think we can also win trophies with Newcastle and it's time to do that.

 

"In the Premier League especially, every game is tough so it can help me also to grow in my football skills."

 

Anita was a product of the Amsterdam club's famous Academy system, and was scouted as a nine-year-old. So moving to not only a new club but also

a new country was a big decision for the Willemstad-born ace.

 

"Yes of course," he admitted. "They made me who I am right now. I've been there 13 years so it was a difficult step, but you know in football that things happen so I'm glad to be here."

 

He spoke to countryman Krul, who he has played alongside at various levels for Holland, about what to expect at the club - and said the goalkeeper sold the club to him well. 

 

"Very well." he smiled. "He told me to join Newcastle, and said it was a very nice club with great supporters and everything is nice and that he would like me to come here.

 

"I trust him so I think we can have a nice time here."

Before signing a five-year contract with United, versatile Anita also spoke to Alan Pardew and John Carver about his role in the side.

 

"I talked to the manager and the coach and they know that I want to play in a defensive midfield place and that's why they brought me here," he said.

 

"But I can play at left-back or right-back, so that's also no problem."

 

http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20120816/a-new-challenge-for-anita_2281670_2886762

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...