Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has paid tribute to departing teammate Jonas Gutierrez.

The Magpies confirmed on Friday evening that the 31-year-old's seven-year stay at St James' Park would come to an end when his contract expires at the end of this month.

Coloccini told Newcastle's official website: "Jonas has been a great player for Newcastle and someone who has given everything for the club.

"He was here for seven years and that is a long time to be with one team. But this is football and life continues, and I am sure he will do well wherever his next club is.

"The fans here love him because in the worst days he was still here. Jonas stayed at the club in its worst days - when we went down - and he helped get us straight back up again."