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Jonas Gutierrez reveals role Bacary Sagna played in diagnosing cancer

The Newcastle defender revealed this week that he has undergone treatment for testicular cancer

Thursday 18 September 2014 12:01 BST

Gutierrez and Sagna battle for the ball (GETTY IMAGES)

Jonas Gutierrez, who this week revealed he has undergone treatment for testicular cancer, has told how Bacary Sagna played a role in it being initially diagnosed.

The Newcastle midfielder revealed that following the discovery of a tumour last year he has since undergone chemotherapy and had surgery in his native Argentina.

Gutierrez has since explained that the diagnosis came about after a tackle by the then-Arsenal right-back Sagna.

"I had a very hard collision with Sagna in the area of the pubic bone and the genitals. From then I had a lot of pain that wouldn’t go away," he explained.

"I spoke with the doctor after the game and he said, ‘If it doesn’t hurt then don’t worry. Then it was holiday time and I felt the pain more.

"And in September I noticed that the testicle was inflamed.

"I went back to the doctors and they told me to have an ultrasound and detected a tumour. They told me I needed an operation.

"I asked them, ‘Is it cancer?’ and they confirmed that it was. I left the clinic crying.

"In October they operated; I had to rest and they reassured me it had not spread and that I didn't need any more treatment at the moment."

Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

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1/10Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

David Moyes

Rather strangely, Moyes' reputation has improved somewhat since he left Manchester United. The Red Devils' poor start to the current season highlighted just how difficult the task at Old Trafford was, and revisionists could argue that perhaps he didn't do all that badly. His work over more than a decade at Everton stands the test of time and a return to management at Newcastle could be a good fit.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Steve Bruce

Having got Hull City promoted back to the Premier League and then taking them to the FA Cup final last May, Bruce is steadily adding to his reputation as a manager. His previous role at Sunderland was always fraught due to his Geordie roots - but that certainly wouldn't be a problem at St James' Park. The former Manchester United defender didn't disgrace himself during spells in charge of Wigan and Birmingham either.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Tony Pulis

Newcastle fans expect their side to play a certain way - and it isn't the Pulis way. When Sam Allardyce was in charge of the Magpies he was constantly given a rough time due to the tactics he employed. Pulis would bring something similar which would probably make him unpopular with fans from the get-go. However, his time at Crystal Palace where he won the Manager of the Season award last season and his ability to keep Stoke City in the Premier League shouldn't be ignored.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Neil Lennon

The former Leicester player was highly successful during his time at Celtic - his only managerial position to date. He won three league titles and caused a few upsets in the Champions League. Has been linked with Premier League roles for some time and is currently a free agent having stepped down at the end of the last season after four years in charge.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Steve McClaren

McClaren's career is difficult to judge. Performed a few miracles at Middlebrough then came the England job. Won the Eredivisie title with FC Twente, then had strange spells with Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest. It seems the 53-year-old could be back on the way up judging by Derby's solid start to the season and owing to his North East roots, could be a good option for Newcastle.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Tim Sherwood

If the Newcastle fans want attacking football, Sherwood could be a decent option. During his spell in charge of Tottenham he displayed a preference for offensive teams and enjoyed a successful period. Was perhaps unfairly sacked at the end of last season when the political shenanigans at White Hart Lane got the better of him.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Michael Laudrup

A more glamorous appointment that could appease the fans would be that of Laudrup. During his time at Swansea he did brilliantly, bringing in rough gems that he polished into a League Cup winning side. The style of play he instilled was impossible not to admire. The former Barcelona midfielder is currently in charge of Qatari side Lekhwiya.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Joe Kinnear

Surely Mike Ashley wouldn't - would he? Kinnear was unpopular during his previous spell in charge of Newcastle before it came to an end due to health issues. He was then made Director of Football but a few embarrassing episodes, from getting players' names wrong to failing to visibly do anything soured his standing amongst the fans further.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Paolo Di Canio

The controversial Italian is just the type of character that would ensure a continuation of the Newcastle United soap opera. And that's why he shouldn't be discounted. Actually did quite well in charge of Swindon and managed to keep Sunderland afloat after being parachuted in. His controversial knee-sliding celebrations when the Black Cats won at St James' Park won't have done him any favours though, and neither will the reports of complete discontent by the end of his reign at the Stadium of Light.

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Who could replace Alan Pardew as Newcastle manager?

Roberto Di Matteo

Seemingly linked with every job going, remarkably Di Matteo is still yet to dip his toe back into the choppy management waters since taking Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2012. His feat with the Blues whilst caretaker manager has ensured he is a popular choice whenever vacancies come up, whilst his spells at MK Dons and West Brom weren't too shabby either.

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Gutierrez has been flooded with messages of support since speaking publicly, among them former team-mates.

Joey Barton, now at QPR, took to Twitter to post his support to Gutierrez.

"Heard the terrible news about Jonas. Wish him a speedy recovery. Great guy with a great family. My thoughts are with them all," Barton posted on the social media site.

Denmark forward Peter Lovenkrands, who played at Newcastle from 2009 to 2012, also spoke of his concern for Gutierrez. He said on Twitter: "Can't believe the news about my good friend Jonas. Testicle cancer. I wish you a speedy recovery my friend. #SpiderMan #Nufc"

Former Magpies goalkeeper Steve Harper added: "Buena suerte a mi amigo Jonas with his battle with testicular cancer. Great lad and teammate who always gave 100% for the Toon shirt."

Newcastle released a statement this morning in reference to Gutierrez. It read: "Newcastle United can confirm that winger Jonas Gutierrez is continuing to receive treatment in Argentina after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

"The Club has been aware of Jonas' condition for some time but has respected his wish for privacy as he undergoes treatment with his friends and family around him."

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