Jonas Gutierrez Announces He Is Battling Testicular Cancer

Updates from Thursday, Sept. 18

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew sent a heartfelt message to Jonas Gutierrez on Thursday following news that he is battling testicular cancer.

Pardew said, via Newcastle's official Twitter:

Updates from Wednesday, Sept. 17

Newcastle issued a statement on Jonas Gutierrez following his diagnosis:

"

Newcastle United can confirm that winger Jonas Gutierrez is continuing to receive treatment in Argentina after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

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.

Newcastle United managing director, Lee Charnley, said: '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.'

The club kindly requests that Jonas' privacy is respected ahead of further enquiries.

"

Several of Gutierrez's former teammates, including PSG's Yohan Cabaye, QPR's Joey Barton and Norwich's Robert Snodgrass and Gary Hooper tweeted support for the winger:

Original Text

Newcastle United and Argentine national winger Jonas Gutierrez announced that he is dealing with testicular cancer in an interview with a Spanish-language newspaper in his native Argentina.     

Steve Gardner of ITV News passed along an English translation of the announcement, which indicates the infected testical was removed:

Simon Bird of Mirror has more from Gutierrez:

"

When I confirmed that I had cancer I went home crying. This was the most difficult game I had to play.

I detected a tumour in a testicle. I came her (back to 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.

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 are insignificant. I decided to tell my story because maybe is will help people who have cancer.

"

Gutierrez, 31, has gone through a summer of contentiousness with Newcastle United. In July, reports surfaced indicating that manager Alan Pardew had told Gutierrez, Hatem Ben Arfa and Gabriel Obertan they could leave the club.

Gutierrez, who is in the last year of his contract, was sent out on loan to Norwich City at the end of last season. He played four games with the Championship side as it attempted to avoid relegation, eventually finishing in 18th.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Simon Jones of the Daily Mail indicated Newcastle were still attempting to find a loan agreement for this season. He has not been with the club for any of its first four matches of the season. Newcastle are currently in last place in the Premier League table. There was no indication of whether Gutierrez's status with the club will be in any way affected by his diagnosis. 

He sent a message on Twitter thanking fans for their support:

A member of Argentina's national team since 2007, Gutierrez was not a part of the runner-up team that lost to Germany in the final. Because of other talented players at his position, Gutierrez has largely played a supporting role in his international career.

Newcastle had been Gutierrez's professional home since 2008. The Premier League side brought him over in a purchase deal with Mallorca, and he's been a mainstay ever since. He played in at least 30 matches each of his first five seasons, helping Newcastle stave off a demotion to the Championship in all but one season. 

But as he reached his 30s, Pardew began cutting his playing time. Gutierrez was only on the field twice for United before being sent away to Norwich, where he linked back up with old Newcastle boss Chris Hughton. In 194 career appearances for Newcastle United, Gutierrez has scored 11 goals. His role has largely consisted of providing defensive help and working the ball back to the middle of the field.

There is no word at this time when (or if) Gutierrez plans on returning to the sport. 

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter