JONAS GUTIERREZ came through almost 90 minutes of football in a Newcastle United this afternoon after overcoming testicular cancer.
The Argentine winger was replaced with just three minutes left of the Magpies’ 4-1 win over West Ham United at Whitley Park, where he helped secure a place in the last eight of the Under-21s Premier League Cup.
Gutierrez only returned to training earlier this month and he was watched by team-mates Fabricio Coloccini, Gabriel Obertan, Paul Dummett and Adam Armstrong. Sunderland manager Gus Poyet was also there to watch his son, Diego, in action for the Hammers.
He Tweeted afterwards: "Thanks to all the fans for the support that you give through my illness, I am proud to be back. Good game and really happy. Thanks."
Gutierrez had his left testicle removed in September in Argentina after the discovery of a tumour. He had to undergo chemotherapy treatment and getting back on to the football field to play a game was a huge step forward for him.
The 31-year-old’s last first team game was in April when he was on loan at Norwich and he received a touching reception from the club’s fans at Whitley Park - and a standing ovation when he left the field.
He made an important contribution for Newcastle, who comfortably progressed after goals from Gael Bigirimana, Adam Campbell, Callum Roberts and Liam Gibson.
Newcastle: Woodman; Olley, Satka, Gillesphey, Gibson, Roberts, Bigirimana, Gutierrez (Ward), Smith (Kemen) Quinn (Heardman), Campbell. Subs (not used): Woolston, Williams.
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