Jonas Gutierrez Back At Newcastle After Beating Cancer

22 December 2014, 10:53

Jonas Gutierrez will play for Newcastle's under-21s following his battle with testicular cancer.

The 31-year-old was diagnosed in 2013 and underwent surgery in his native Argentina before moving on loan to Norwich for the remainder of last season.

Gutierrez did not make his health issues public until September and since then he has been discharged from hospital and has begun training - with the club confirming he is set to play some part in a Under-21 Premier League Cup tie against West Ham on Monday afternoon.

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UPDATED 4th November 2014

Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has been given the all-clear after receiving treatment for testicular cancer.

He had been undergoing chemotherapy in his home country of Argentina.

Gutierrez has tweeted his thanks to everyone who has supported him.
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UPDATED 17th September 2014

Former Newcastle United midfielder, Jonás Gutiérrez has revealed he's being treated for testicular cancer.

The 31 year old said he has undergone chemotherapy, after having surgery following the discovery of a tumour, which was first noticed last year.

In an interview with Argentinian TV show Indirecto on TyC Sports, he said:
"When I was told I had cancer, I went home in tears.

In May 2013, I felt very tough pains on my testicle. After some wrong diagnosis, an ultrasound detected the tumour.

I came here and I assumed the costs despite having a contract with Newcastle. Money is not important. What is important is my health. I had to start chemotherapy.''

Gutierrez, who has made 22 appearances for his country, has admitted several national colleagues, including close friend and Newcastle team-mate Fabricio Coloccini, have been a great help.

He added:
"This is the most difficult match I've every played. You start thinking about important things when you have problems like this one.

Some guys like (Gabriel) Heinze gave me strength.

After surgery, I told (Ezequiel) Lavezzi, (Martin) Demichelis and Coloccini, who is very close to me. We've played together at Newcastle for six years and he calls me. He is almost a member of my family.

I decided to reveal all this because I think this is a difficult moment, but there is nothing wrong with this. These things may help other people.''

Gutierrez joined Newcastle from Mallorca in July 2008 and became a fans' favourite when he played a starring role in helping the club win the Championship in his second season in the north-east.

However, he was largely unused by manager Alan Pardew last season and was allowed to join Norwich on loan for the second half of last season, where he made his last league appearance in the Canaries' 1-0 defeat to West Brom in April.

He took to Twitter to express his gratitude to well-wishers late on Tuesday night, saying:
"Thanks for all the messages. Always looking forward.''