Earlier this week Argentina international and Newcastle United winger Jonas Gutierrez revealed to the world that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Gutierrez is still under contract with the Tyneside club but had been spending time in Argentina to receive treatment for his condition.
The winger, once known for his thick goatee and flowing hair is now nearly unrecognizable after losing his hair as a result of his treatment. His spirits are strong and he tweeted messages of thanks for the support which he has no doubt received from fans and fellow footballers from around the world.
Chelsea FC’s very own Branislav Ivanovic is one of the patrons of a testicular cancer awareness organization called Ballboys. Ivanovic sent the following message to Jonas Gutierrez and to any man who has yet to be tested for the disease.
“I just want to express my wholehearted support for Jonas. 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. It underlines the need to keep checking. You can beat it. Ballboys is all about educating people and releasing inhibitions about checking yourself or being checked out. It’s so important as it can save your life.”
Source: Daily Mail
Here is Jonas Gutierrez’s message of thanks:
Gracias por todos los mensajes de apoyo. Mirando siempre para adelante. Thanks for all the messages. Always looking fordward.
— jonas gutierrez (@elgalgojonas) September 16, 2014
Here are some of the messages of support from footballers and fans alike:
#NCFC backs @elgalgojonas in his battle against cancer: http://t.co/ioyjH8171H
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) September 17, 2014
We wish Newcastle’s Jonas Gutierrez a full and speedy recovery after he revealed he is battling testicular cancer… pic.twitter.com/lKa6TRKSxM
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) September 17, 2014
Heard the terrible news about @elgalgojonas Wish him a speedy recovery. Great guy with a great family. My thoughts are with them all x
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 17, 2014
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