Newcastle Utd legend Bob Moncur’s message to Gutierrez

Gutierrez has been inundated with messages of support from fans around the world since revealing he was undergoing treatment for testicular cancer.

The 31-year-old - who had a testicle removed late last year after a tumour was found - has had chemotherapy in his native Argentina.

Club legend Moncur - who has twice fought cancer himself - is hoping Gutierrez can make a full recovery with the support of his family, friends and the wider football community.

“He’s a great character, and I wish him a speedy recovery,” Moncur said.

“When you find out you have cancer, it’s soul destroying.

“But you get on with it, and Jonas is a very positive type of bloke.

“My message, in football terms, would be keep running at the full-back and taking him on. The more times you run at him, the better you’re chances of beating him.

“I hope he gets well soon.”

Gutierrez thanks supporters for their messages of support on Twitter.

He tweeted: “Thanks for all the messages. Always looking forward.”

Moncur - the last Newcastle captain to lift a trophy - is himself recovering from oesophageal cancer.

The 69-year-old - who famously skippered the club to the Fairs Cup in 1969 - had previously undergone surgery and a course of chemotherapy for bowel cancer.

Moncur added: “I’m an example to Jonas - I’m still here, touch wood.

“Cancer’s had two goes at me - my colon and oesophagus.

“It’s all about catching it at the right time.

“When I heard I had cancer, I wanted to hit somebody. I had no idea how to handle it, but you learn more about it, and I’ve got to say the treatment I had was fantastic.”

United last night issued a statement on Gutierrez, who has been receiving treatment in Argentina with the “full support” of the club.

Managing director Lee Charnley said: “We have and will continue to offer Jonas our full support.

“We thank our fans for their kind messages of support for Jonas and the thoughts and best wishes of everyone connected to Newcastle United are with him at this time.”

Gutierrez is in the final year of contract at St James’s Park and hasn’t played a game for the club since last October.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Norwich City.