FOOTBALL has united to support Newcastle star Jonas Gutierrez after the winger revealed his secret battle with testicular cancer.

Messages of support for the 31-year-old flooded in from across the world after the Argentinian international told media in his homeland of his ongoing fight with the disease.

The former World Cup star said on Tuesday that he had had a testicle removed and had undergone chemotherapy after a tumour was discovered following an injury at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Friends and former teammates have since rallied to offer their support to the player, who played 177 times for the Magpies, while some supporters have called for a minute’s applause during Saturday’s home match against Hull City.

Tonight Newcastle United issued a statement confirming Gutierrez will continue to receive treatment in Argentina.

"The club has been aware of Jonas' condition for some time but has respected his wish for privacy as he undergoes treatment with his friends and family around him," said the statement.

Managing director, Lee Charnley added: "We have and will continue to offer Jonas our full support.

"We thank our fans for their kind messages of support for Jonas and the thoughts and best wishes of everyone connected to Newcastle United are with him at this time."

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, patron of testicular cancer charity Ballboys, said: “It is hard to see a fellow footballer faced with this illness. We often think as footballers we are superfit and won't be affected but this disease knows no bounds.

“Jonas is a strong guy and I am positive he will come through this. He will have support from family and friends and players such as myself”.

QPR midfielder Joey Barton, who played alongside Gutierrez at St James’ Park, took to Twitter after hearing “the terrible news”. He said: “Great guy with a great family. My thoughts are with them all.”

Leicester defender Danny Simpson, part of the Magpies’ side which secured promotion back to the Premier League, said: “He’s a fighter and a great lad and I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Young Newcastle striker Adam Campbell said: “Just come round from my op and been smacked right in the stomach after hearing about a great man being ill, keep strong bro.”

Messages of support were also sent by former teammates Yohan Cabaye, Pappis Cisse, Paul Dummett and Steve Harper, as well as from rivals including Aston Villa, Chelsea and German club Schalke 04.

Ghana World Cup star Kevin Prince-Boateng tweeted: “Wish u all the best and speedy recovery for the fight against cancer big man”.

Gutierrez himself took to Twitter to thank supporters, saying: “Thanks for all the messages. Always looking forward”

Gutierrez, famed in his early career for donning a Spiderman mask to celebrate a goal, signed for Newcastle from Real Mallorca in 2008 and went on to score 10 goals for the club.

After being injured in the last match of the 2012-13 season with Arsenal, he experienced pain and swelling in the groin which was eventually diagnosed as a tumour.

He returned to Argentina for surgery but on his return to Newcastle was unable to find his way back into the first team and was loaned out to Norwich City in January.

Leave your well wishes for Jonas Gutierrez below.