Free agent Jonas Gutierrez has hit out at Newcastle United for the way they handled his release last season.

The Argentine, who recovered from cancer before returning to the club mid-way through the season, was told that he would not be offered a new deal after they survived on the final day of the campaign.

He is quoted as saying by the Newcastle Chronicle: "Things weren't done in the best way, they weren't very honest. They didn't do things like I would have hoped, but that's now done and I'm looking forward. It's bothersome because I don't think it was the right way [to let me go], but that's it.

"I'm looking forward and I feel comfortable training, I feel good physically, one can't look back, only forward, and give importance to the present. The most important thing is to continue building up my fitness with the idea of being able to return to Europe."

Gutierrez scored on his final appearance for the club against West Ham United on the last day of the season.