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Jonas Gutierrez has revealed he is suffering from testicular cancer.

The Newcastle United winger is undergoing chemotherapy and has lost his trademark long locks as he battles the illness.

Gutierrez is a fans' favourite on Tyneside, but was loaned out to Norwich last season, and was deluged with good luck messages from fans when he broke the news on Argentine TV on Tuesday night.

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

The star has kept his illness secret for months, and his absence from pre-season training was noted.

Gutierrez, who starred at the 2010 World Cup, said: "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."

(Image: TYC Sports)

Gutierrez's health problem has been known about within Newcastle for almost a year, but his privacy respected.

The 31-year-old drifted out of the first team picture last season and was loaned to Norwich in January.

He added: "I removed the left testicle. I returned to England and Newcastle told me to leave."

Newcastle instructed reporters not to persist in questioning why Gutierrez was absent for a period last season, out of respect for the situation.

Gutierrez will continue his treatment and recovery in Argentina.

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