Soccer

Jonas Gutierrez aiming for Newcastle United return

Argentinian midfielder aiming for first-team football after recovery from testicular cancer

Jonas Gutierrez is aiming for a return to first team action following his recovery from testicular cancer. (Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Jonas Gutierrez is aiming for a return to first team action following his recovery from testicular cancer. (Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Thu Jan 15 2015 - 12:43

Jonás Gutiérrez has said that a return to first-team football with Newcastle after overcoming cancer would trump all his other achievements in the game.

The 31-year-old midfielder was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year but, having made a full recovery and featured on several occasions for Newcastle's under-21 team, he is dreaming of a return to St James' Park. Should that happen, Gutiérrez believes the feeling would surpass even his selection for the 2010 World Cup, where he made three appearances for Argentina under the then manager, Diego Maradona.

“I have played in a World Cup but if I play again for Newcastle then that will be the best moment of my career,” Gutiérrez said. “To get back after the cancer and chemotherapy, to put all that behind me, would be a huge moment. I feel really good. Maybe in two weeks I will be at 100%.”

Gutiérrez, who joined Newcastle in 2008 from Real Mallorca, added: “The welcome from the fans from the day I arrived has been special. So if I come back and play for Newcastle then, of course, it will be the best. It will be emotional. I haven’t been to the stadium. It is hard to go and not be involved. For now, I prefer to watch on TV at home. But, of course, I want to return to the first team.”

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It will be a different-looking Gutiérrez who bids to return, given his trademark ponytail is now absent, though his hair and beard have grown back after falling out as a side-effect of chemotherapy. All of which has added to an already difficult and emotional battle. “When I was told about the cancer I went home to my dad and cried,” he said. “Then it was hard to find my hair falling out.

“But I was always positive and I told my family and friends: ‘Listen, the most important thing is to be healthy again.’ Fighting cancer made other problems seem insignificant.”

There could be one visual quirk to recall the old days, though, as Gutiérrez is considering revisiting his favourite goal celebration should the chance arise. The Argentinian was noted for pulling on a Spiderman mask after finding the net and he said: “I don’t have it any more but maybe I will buy another one.”