JONAS Gutierrez has revealed he is ‘delighted’ to be back training with Newcastle United – and has thanked the fans for helping him beat cancer.
Gutierrez returned to the club last week after battling cancer in his Argentina homeland.
And he is set for an emotional return to playing action on Monday for the club’s second string against West Ham United.
He said: “I’m really happy to be back. It was a hard year for me but now, more importantly I’m involved again with the team and training. I’m really enjoying all the days back in Newcastle.
“I was only thinking to beat the cancer always looking forward, really proud to be back with the lads, I was always thinking about beating the cancer, winning the game.”.
Gutierrez’s fight against cancer touched the hearts of the Geordie public, who took to chanting his name and clapping in the 18th minute of every game, with the player having worn the No18 shirt for the side.
And the winger says that support gave him the ‘power’ to beat the illness.
Gutierrez will broadcast a special message on the big screen at St James’s Park at the derby against Sunderland tomorrow.
And he told NUFC TV: “I had to say thank you because they (fans) gave me the power and the strength to go through the cancer.
“I think when you do the right things in your life, that things come back to you.
“It was amazing to get that kind of support and singing my song, I’m really proud and thank you.”