Gutierrez reveals cancer fight

Jonas Gutierrez

Jonas Gutierrez has re-lived his battle with cancer after helping Newcastle secure their Premier League status.

The 31-year-old had a testicle removed two years ago, but the cancer returned last year, leaving him facing chemotherapy and a long road back to good health.

However, the Argentina international won his fight and returned to training, eventually pulling on the black and white shirt again for the first time against Manchester United on March 4.

He cemented himself in the affections of the Toon Army on Sunday when he scored the goal which completed a vital 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham in what seems likely to be his final game for the club.

Gutierrez said: "Since I had the treatment the only thing that I was thinking was recovery. I was not really thinking about playing football, to be honest. The chemotherapy is a harsh treatment. Your body really feels it. You lose your hair with all the medication going into your body. It was hard. The good thing is my body reacted really well to the treatment and the exercise. The doctor told me the fact I was a footballer, and fit already, was a big help to recover and come back."