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Newcastle star turned down clubs in summer because felt responsibility after relegation

7 years ago
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In an interview back home, Vurnon Anita has revealed that he turned down interest from Dutch clubs in the summer.

The midfielder/right-back started seven of the 10 games under Rafa Benitez and says that the Manager was one reason why he decided to stay.

However, the biggest reason was that after enjoying his four years on Tyneside, Vurnon Anita felt a duty to stay on and try to get the club back into the Premier League after relegation.

In terms of his contract situation now, the former Ajax player confirms that no extension has been signed and as it stands, he will be out of contract next July.

A bit of a strange one as Newcastle United have acted to tie down players who were going into the final season of their contract such as Tim Krul and others, or made every effort to move them on as in the case of Cheick Tiote (UAE transfer window closes tomorrow) if they weren’t wanted.

Nothing has been mentioned about Anita’s position and as he will be only 28 when his current contract ends, it is surprising that no move has been made to extend his deal.

As it stands now, the Dutch international will be able to talk to other clubs in January and sign a pre-contract if he so chooses, meaning he would/could leave Newcastle for nothing in the summer.

Starting 11 of the 13 Championship matches so far, including last night’s win at Barnsley, Vurnon Anita is currently winning the intriguing battle with DeAndre Yedlin  to be first choice at right-back.

Credit to the player though for sticking around, when he could have potentially deserted like Janmaat, Townsend, Wijnaldum and Sissoko.

Vurnon Anita talking to Voetbal International:

“There was some interest (in the summer) from Holland.

“I have experienced many good times at Newcastle and in difficult times like now, I did not feel ready to leave.

“Also, I had enjoyed working with Rafa Benitez in the second half of last season.

“My contract expires after this season, so it is a year on full throttle.”

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