Jonas Gutierrez plays first game for Newcastle Under-21s since beating testicular cancer

The Argentine captained side in a win against West Ham

(Twitter/Newcastle)

Jonas Gutierrez made his return to football after beating testicular cancer in November.

The Argentine, 31, captained Newcastle's Under-21s in a win against West Ham on Monday afternoon. Gutierrez starred for Peter Beardsley's side at Whitley Park, as Newcastle ran out 4-1 winners.

Gutierrez (above, picture via Newcastle United) returned to the North-east earlier this month having successfully undergone chemotheraphy in Argentina.

Gutierrez last played for Newcastle more than a year ago, having been on loan at Norwich in the second half of last season. The midfielder learned of his illness after a challenge by Bacary Sagna, then of Arsenal, left him in pain.

The midfielder, who was watched by Newcastle team-mates Fabricio Coloccini, Sammy Ameobi, Gabriel Obertan, Paul Dummett and Adam Armstrong on his return, even completed a marathon while he went through chemotherapy.

"I am good, happy and enjoying every training and every day," he told the Daily Mail.

"I am just looking forward. You never know what can happen in football. The most important thing for me now is to be back and to try to get fit and to be ready if I have a chance of playing. The only thing I can do is do my best."

He later posted on his Twitter page: "Thanks to all the fans for the support that you give through my illness, i am proud to be back. Good game and really happy. Thanks".