Jonas Gutierrez completes marathon in Buenos Aires despite battle with testicular cancer

Newcastle United midfielder was raising money for cancer charity

(Twitter)

Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has completed a marathon in his home country of Argentina, despite his ongoing battle with testicular cancer.

Gutierrez, 31, revealed last month how a heavy tackle from Bacary Sagna, then of Arsenal, played a role in him being diagnosed with the illness.

The midfielder, who is still on the books of the North East club, completed the marathon on Sunday, raising money for cancer charity Fuca (Foundation for Research, Teaching and Cancer Prevention).

He took to Twitter to thank his followers for their encouragement during the race.

"Thank you very much to all the participants of the Buenos Aires Marathon 42k for the support and encouragement during the race," he wrote.

Gutierrez was part of a team of runners raising awareness about the importance of detecting testicular cancer early. Wearing bright green, Gutierrez had a special shirt with invisible ink that slowly revealed an anti-cancer message as he ran the race.

The midfielder, who was on loan at Norwich City last season, also saw the Argentina national team unveil a banner that read 'Strength Jonas' ahead of the friendly against Brazil at the weekend.

He is currently undergoing chemotheraphy.

Speaking in September Gutierrez revealed how learning he had the illness left him in tears.

"When I was told I had cancer, I went home in tears," he told Argentinian TV show Indirecto on TyC Sports

"In May 2013, I felt very tough pains on my testicle. After some wrong diagnosis, an ultrasound detected the tumour.

"I came here and I assumed the costs despite having a contract with Newcastle. Money is not important. What is important is my health. I had to start chemotherapy."