Newcastle United winger Jonas Gutierrez has announced he is battling testicular cancer.
The 31-year-old is currently undergoing chemotherapy and since making the shock revelation on Argentine TV has been flooded by messages of support.
The popular Gutierrez, who appeared during the 2010 World Cup, has lost his trademark ponytail as a result of his treatment.
"When I confirmed that I had cancer I went home crying," he said. "This was the most difficult game I had to play.
"I detected a tumour in a testicle I came here (to Argentina) and I assumed the costs, despite having a contract with Newcastle.
"It was hard to find my hair falling out. I did not want to cut it. I wanted to hold on.
"Fighting cancer makes the rest of the problems insignificant. I decided to tell my story because maybe is will help people who have cancer."
Newcastle had been aware of Gutierrez's condition for over a year but did not publicise his illness out of a desire to respect the player's privacy.
