91Èȱ¬

Newcastle United's Vurnon Anita is not surprised by the split opinion in the game on Liverpool striker and former Ajax team-mate Luis Suarez.

Suarez, 25, has made regular headlines since his January 2011 move to Anfield, with his goals and talent offset by a series of controversies.

"In Holland it was the same. I know him very well and I know he plays like that," Anita told 91Èȱ¬ Newcastle.

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

The pair were friends at the Amsterdam club before Suarez moved to the Premier League, a move that Anita replicated with his switch to Newcastle last August, and the duo have stayed in contact.

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

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

Netherlands international Anita was a versatile member of Frank de Boer's Ajax squad prior to his move to the English league, and has continued to play a variety of roles at St James' Park.

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

"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.

"You have to get used to the game, and the training is different, but I hope to adapt quicker than one year.

"I do extra work to help me adapt quickly."