Vurnon Anita has paid tribute to his former Newcastle Unite manager Rafa Benitez.

Anita admits he enjoyed his football under the Spaniard.

He told Voetbalzone: “It was good for me that Benitez came, I played a lot under him and we have a good relationship. I like the way he trains and sees football.

"Under him I played more as right back, while previously I was more in midfield. Many people say he was late in the year when we were relegated. The question was whether he would stay in the Championship, but in the end he stayed and we won almost everything that season. He is one of the best trainers I have worked with.

"Frank de Boer was also top in my Ajax period. I learned a lot from the two of them. I spoke to Benitez a few months ago. Has he already sent an invitation to come to China? Not quite that, no."