Maradona wants Jonas to consider Newcastle future

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has told Jonas Gutierrez to quit Newcastle United if they don't look like winning instant promotion back to the Premiership.

Gutierrez was a hero of Argentina’s last-gasp qualification for next summer’s World Cup, winning the late free-kick which led to the only goal in an all-important victory over Uruguay on Wednesday.

“For me, Jonas was a big discovery,” said Maradona. “Since he left (Argentina) for Europe, he has much improved.

“The kid is a complete player who could play right across the line in midfield or in defence.

“I still don’t understand why he is playing in the second division in England, because he has the quality to be at a big European club.

“For me, he easily has sufficient class to be in Premier League, and the fact Newcastle United did not have to sell him during the summer just gone is a negative for him.

“However, it is positive for his club if they want to return to the top division in England.”