From being dismissed by his team after battling cancer... to saving them from relegation in 1 year

'I returned to England after my operation and, a month and a half after getting back to training, the coach told me to find a new club'. Jonas Gutierrez has much appreciation for Newcastle while despising the club's directives after enduring the worst time of his life.

In July 2013, medical services at Newcastle United gave Jonas Gutierrez some harsh news: he had a tumour on his right testicle and needed an imminent surgical intervention.

'I left the doctor's office crying. The first thing I did was tell my father that they wanted to operate on me', said the player, who automatically returned to his native Argentina to surround himself with his family at such a hard time.

He underwent surgery and the orchiectomy was a success. After months of rehabilitation, he returned to Newcastle, where he was welcomed with open arms... by almost everybody.

In November, he returned to the training ground to get back in shape, and days later the Magpies boss Alan Pardew informed Gutierrez of his decision do without his services. 'I returned... and the coach told me to find a new club, he didn't want me'.

And so it happened. The winger was resigned to find a new club and his agent made offers to several teams. Norwich City, who were also in the Premier League, accepted to take him in on loan, though he only made four appearances.

After the season ended and he went on holidays he returned full of excitement for another season. However, in a pre-season medical check-up, doctors found that the tumour appeared to be back and was expanding.

Jonas decided to abandon his great passion to fight for his life. He announced his indefinite retirement from football to undergo a harsh chemotherapy treatment.

Five long months, almost half a season in which Jonas played the most important match of his life... and won.

Gutierrez, known as el 'Galgo' (the Hound) due to his pace, pulled on Newcastle's shirt again the 4th of March, 2015 at Old Trafford. His side were going through a rough patch and they lost against United, but Jonas was rewarded with a standing ovation which gave him the strength to power through such a difficult period.

The Argentine's role in the team was far from important that season. On the last fixture of the season, Newcastle depended on themselves to avoid relegation... and Gutierrez made the starting lineup. Against West Ham, over 50,000 voices chanted his name every time the ball came to his feet.

Playing at left-back, the 'Galgo' flew up and down the wing and took part in the two goals that saved his team. First, he assisted Sissoko to make it 1-0, before scoring the goal which sealed their victory with five minutes to go.

He celebrated with his teammates having scored the most crucial goal of his career, but it would be the last time at St James' Park. Newcastle didn't offer their saviour a renewed contract and he left a hero for the fans and a villain for the board of directives. 'From my illness I learned two things. How to support a player (Newcastle fans) and how to abandon him (the club owner)'.

source