Newcastle United winger Jonas Gutierrez has thanked everyone who has sent him messages of support in his cancer battle.
The Argentine revealed last week that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, prompting an outpouring of well wishes from the football world.
Gutierrez, 31, says that he intends to use those sentiments as his strength in his bid for recovery.
"I am very happy for what the Newcastle fans did, and thankful to the supporters of Velez Sarsfield and Almagro," he told Todo Noticias.
"I am also thankful to all the people linked to football because I have received very nice messages from them. All this gives me more strength not to give up.
"Many players of the national team gave me a call. Ezequiel Lavezzi and Martin Demichelis knew about my situation since the moment that I underwent surgery. Javier Mascherano, Lionel Messi and Pablo Zabaleta have also given me their support."
Magpies teammate Papiss Cisse unveiled a T-shirt reading "always look forward Jonas" after scoring against Hull City at the weekend.
Shane Callaghan
