Jonás Gutíerrez gave an emotional interview earlier today on Argentine television to reveal that he has been undoing treatment for testicular cancer. The popular Newcastle United winger has been absent from the squad since his loan spell with Norwich and the 31-year-old has explained the reason why he has been back in Argentina for this period.

Speaking to TyC, Gutíerrez said, “When I confirmed that I had cancer I went home crying. This was the most difficult game I had to play.”

The game which brought the condition to light was when Newcastle faced Arsenal in May in 2013 and a clash with Bacary Sagna. Jonás was left with a pain in his testicles which did not persist and after several misdiagnoses, an ultrasound revealed a tumor.

Gutíerrez added, “I detected a tumour in a testicle. I came here (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 insignificant. I decided to tell my story because maybe this will help people who have cancer.”

The sight of Jonás without his trademark long hair and beard is a sad one, particularly for Newcastle fans, with who he has had a great relationship since joining the club in 2008 from Real Mallorca.

While the fans of Newcastle still hold Jonás in such high regard and club captain, Fabricio Coloccini has been a support, the club do not appear in the best light during this episode. In addition to Gutíerrez footing the bill for his treatment in Argentina, he added, “I removed the left testicle. I returned to England and Newcastle told me to leave.”

This might be the translation of this but certainly the view as it is being reported in the press in Argentina is that Newcastle have acted particularly poorly over this and it could end up being yet an awful PR story for Mike Ashley’s much criticized reign at the club.

Gutíerrez preferred to return to Argentina for his treatment and told TyC, “The hardest part is over, I’ve got a couple of sessions of chemotherapy left. The end [of treatment] is a little closer each day.”

We wish Jonás all the best as he finishes his treatment. I also understand that Newcastle supporters are planning some sign of support in the 18th minute of their match against Hull this weekend.