DUTCH international legend Frank de Boer has backed Vurnon Anita to be a major success at Newcastle United – even though he admits it has left a gaping hole in his title-winning Ajax team.
In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle last night, de Boer conceded he had lost one of the best young players to have come through the ranks at the Amsterdam ArenA in recent years.
He told the Chronicle from Amsterdam last night: “Of course he goes to Newcastle United with my best wishes.
“He is one of the hardest working young players I have ever seen.
“He deserves a move to a club like Newcastle United.“For me he gave everything during his time here.” There had been talk Anita was unsure about the move to Tyneside after weeks of speculation and that the player wanted assurances from Alan Pardew about where on the park he would feature.
De Boer, who won 112 caps for Holland, added: “As I say, he gives everything for you.
“He never complained once to me about having to drop back into another position.
“In training he works like he is playing a game and that it means everything.
“In the one and half years I worked with him he did not stop working.
“That is what has resulted in his transfer to Newcastle.”
United were hopeful of completing the formalities of making Anita a Newcastle player today.
The results of his medical were being analysed and “one or two matters” needed to be tied up. As reported As reported in Friday’s Chronicle, the preliminary stages of the transfer got under way at the start of the weekend and Anita finally arrived in Newcastle yesterday afternoon.
Former Barcelona star de Boer is convinced Anita’s career will continue on an upward curve.
The man who played 328 league games for Ajax and almost 150 times for the Nou Camp giants said: “Newcastle fans will see a player who can deal with the game in England.
“He gives 300% for you. He is always concentrating on his game and he never ever gives up.
“He has a bright future ahead.”
De Boer also congratulated the Magpies on the transfer and added: “It is a great move by Newcastle United.
“They are a great club and have a good team.
“They are one of the biggest clubs in England and Vurnon can be very proud of the move.”
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