Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has thanked fans via his Twitter account and during an interview on Argentinian television for their support after revealing that he has been undergoing treatment for testicular cancer.
The 31-year-old has been receiving chemotherapy in Argentina for the past month and tweeted his appreciation for all of the fans’ support: “Thanks for all the messages. Always looking forward.”
The midfielder, who was loaned to Norwich City in January 2014, told TyC Sports on Argentinian television: “When I confirmed that I had cancer I went home crying. This was the most difficult game I had to play.”
“I detected a tumor in a testicle. I came here [Argentina] and I assumed the costs, despite having a contract with Newcastle. Money is not important. What is important is health and I had to start chemotherapy.”
“I removed the left testicle. I returned to England and Newcastle told me to leave. It was hard to find my hair falling out. I did not want to cut it. I wanted to hold on. Fighting cancer makes the rest of the problems insignificant.”
“I decided to tell my story because maybe it will help people who have cancer.”
Gutierrez last match was for Norwich City on April 5th against West Bromwich Albion.
The Argentinian international made his first appearance for his country in February 2007 and played a predominant role during the 2010 World Cup campaign.
