Gutierrez reveals testicular cancer battle
Spare a thought for Newcastle United winger Jonas Gutierrez, who has revealed that he has been battling testicular cancer.
The Argentinian appeared on television show Indirecto in his homeland and said that the tumour was discovered last year.
He has undergone surgery and had chemotherapy sessions.
"When I was told I had cancer, I went home in tears," said the 31-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Norwich City.
"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."
Support
While it has been a trying time for Gutierrez, the ex-Mallorca man has been receiving support from compatriots such as Gabriel Heinze, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Martin Demichelis as well as close friend and Newcastle colleague Fabricio Coloccini.
He said: "This is the most difficult match I've ever played. You start thinking about important things when you have problems like this one.
"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."
Source: PA Sport
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
