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Jonas Gutierrez spent the second
half of last season on loan at Norwich
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Newcastle
winger Jonas Gutierrez has been offered messages of support from former
team-mates and supporters groups after revealing he is having treatment following
diagnosis of testicular cancer in his native Argentina.
The
31-year-old midfielder told an Argentinian TV show how he has undergone
chemotherapy after having surgery following the discovery of a tumour, which
was first noticed last year, and expressed his gratitude to well-wishers late
on Tuesday night, saying: "Thanks for all the messages. Always looking
forward."
Former
Newcastle team-mate Joey Barton, now at QPR, took to Twitter to post his
support to Gutierrez.
"Heard
the terrible news about Jonas. Wish him a speedy recovery. Great guy with a
great family. My thoughts are with them all," Barton posted on the social
media site.
Denmark
forward Peter Lovenkrands, who played at Newcastle from 2009 to 2012, also
spoke of his concern for Gutierrez. He said on Twitter: "Can't believe the
news about my good friend Jonas. Testicle cancer. I wish you a speedy recovery
my friend. #SpiderMan #Nufc"
Former
Magpies goalkeeper Steve Harper added: "Buena suerte a mi amigo Jonas with
his battle with testicular cancer. Great lad and teammate who always gave 100%
for the Toon shirt."
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 the campaign, where he made his
last league appearance in the Canaries' 1-0 defeat to West Brom in April.
Newcastle
supporters have suggested a minute's applause could be held during the 18th
minute - representing the players' shirt number - against Hull.
The
Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which was set up in a bid to help the on-going
fight against cancer, offered their support.
"NUFC's
Jonas Gutierrez has announced he's receiving treatment for testicular cancer.
Our very best wishes are with you Jonas."
Sunderland
supporters' group TFS Sunderland also offered support. "Thoughts go out
to Jonas Gutierrez after hearing the news he's battling testicular cancer.
there's more to life.... Cancer is a horrible thing to happen to anyone, no
matter who you support."
Newcastle
are expected to make an official club comment later on Wednesday.
Gutierrez
revealed his battles in an emotional interview with Argentinian TV show
Indirecto on TyC Sports.
"When
I was told I had cancer, I went home in tears," he said.
"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, h as 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."
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