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Gutierrez reveals he's having cancer treatment

Jonas Gutierrez is a fans' favourite at Newcastle United © PA Photos

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Newcastle United winger Jonas Gutierrez has revealed he is receiving treatment in his native Argentina after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Gutierrez said he has undergone chemotherapy and had surgery following the discovery of a tumour last year.

The 33-year-old told Argentine television station TyC Sports: "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, said several national colleagues, including close friend and Newcastle team-mate Fabricio Coloccini, have been a great help.

"This is the most difficult match I've ever played," Gutierrez added. "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 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 allowed to join Norwich City on loan for the second half of last season, where he made his last league appearance in a 1-0 defeat to West Brom in April.

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