Newcastle United’s Vernon Anita is far from surprised at the rough treatment Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has received from Premier League fans and the media.

The Dutch utility man, who used to play alongside the 25-year-old at Ajax, believes that his style of play was always going to attract some criticism and is far from shocked at the reputation he has gained in England:

"In Holland it was the same. I know him very well and I know he plays like that." Anita is quoted by BBC Sport.

"If he's on your team you're happy, but if you play against him you hate him."

As well as his on field antics, the Uruguayan has taken criticism for a series of controversial incidents.

Last season he received an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra as well as being punished for making an offensive gesture towards the Fulham fans at Craven Cottage.

Despite this, the Newcastle man believes that Suarez is a good person and claims that the two are friends off of the pitch:

"He's a very nice guy. He likes to joke with people,

"He's enjoying himself in England. We speak a lot and we keep in touch."

Since his arrival in England, Anita has struggled to hold down a single position in the Magpies’ starting line-up, often playing a variety of roles during the same match.

The Holland international believes that this is a positive aspect of his game and will help him in the long run:

"In Holland I played in different positions, so I can do that. I'm used to it,

"If I can play in other positions it's good because I like to play but maybe in the future I can establish myself in midfield and play there, but it takes time.”

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