Newcastle United's Vurnon Anita: 'I don't like pre-season'

Newcastle United midfielder Vurnon Anita has admitted that he does not like pre-season.

The 24-year-old joined the Magpies last season from Ajax for a fee in the region of £7m and made 37 appearances for Alan Pardew's side in 2012-13.

Anita told the club's official website: "I don't like pre-season, but it's necessary to get fit and to build stamina for the whole season.

"It's very important. I don't like it but I do it with pleasure because I know it gives me everything for the future and for the whole season.

"It'll be good to play games again and see where we are as a team, so I'm looking forward to it and we must make it a better season than last season."

Newcastle struggled last season and finished in 16th place in the Premier League.