Speaking to the Chronicle, Vurnon Anita has admitted that he would like to remain at Newcastle next season, but is unsure if the club will offer him a new deal.
The 28 year-old’s contract is set to expire next month, with he and Yoan Gouffran being two first team players who could have played their last game for the club.
When asked if he would like to stay at Newcastle, Anita said:
“Of course, but it’s not up to me,”
“I am open to everything. I will see what happens.
“I have to wait and see, it is up to the club. We have to see what the club decides.”
“If the group stays together it’s a beautiful thing, but in football you never know what happens.
“Hopefully we can stay together and then work for next season.”
“I can sit back and reflect now. I can enjoy vacation and hopefully come back.”
Anita has had a mixed 5 years at the club since signing from Ajax for £7m in the summer of 2012.
He failed to cut it as a central midfielder, with his physical limitations seeing him struggle to cope with the demands of the Premier League. He has gave his all in recent years and looked far more comfortable at right-back, however, doing a steady job in the side this season.
His Premier League experience could be deemed valuable to Benitez next season, but he should be no more than a squad player should he stay.
He’s done a job in the Championship, but the Premier League is a huge step up. Time will tell but the thoughts of the Mane’s, Sane’s and Hazard’s of this world running at the ageing Anita don’t fill me with confidence!
