Newcastle, United Kingdom: Jonas Gutierrez made his Newcastle United comeback after a successful 17-month battle with testicular cancer in his side’s 1-0 Premier League defeat by Manchester United on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old Argentina international winger rose from the bench to replace Ryan Taylor in the 65th minute and was granted a rapturous reception by the home fans at St James’ Park.
It was his first appearance for the club since October 2013 and came after he was named on the bench for Newcastle’s 1-0 home win over Aston Villa on Saturday.
An emotional Gutierrez paid tribute to the support he had received during his illness from Newcastle fans and across the world of football.
“I will remember for the rest of my life the reception. I’m really happy with the reception and the support the fans gave me and the support through the illness,” Gutierrez said.
“The support I have had from clubs all around the world, they don’t matter [care] about the shirt, it has helped me keep fighting.
“For people having the trouble I have been through, you have to be positive. If you believe in the heart you can beat the problems, you can.”
Gutierrez, a popular figure among Newcastle fans, was given the all-clear in November last year and returned to training the following month.
