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Jonas: "It Was A Special Moment"
Written by Newcastle Utd
Jonas Gutierrez paid tribute to the United supporters, after being named among the substitutes for Saturday's win over Aston Villa
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Jonas Gutierrez paid tribute to the Newcastle United supporters, after being named among the substitutes for Saturday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
The Argentine international hasn't kicked a ball for the Magpies' first team since October 2013 and recently overcame testicular cancer.
But he was on the bench for the Barclays Premier League fixture at St. James' Park and received an outstanding - and emotional - reception before, during and after the victory.
""It was a very special moment for me. It was unbelievable to be back, to be in the squad and on the bench," he told nufc.co.uk after the final whistle.
"On Thursday I spoke with JC (John Carver, head coach) and he asked how I felt. I told him I feel good and that I am ready.
"I know I am not 100 per cent, because that will only come with time on the pitch, in the games. But that is the last part.
"Since I returned to Newcastle, all I have wanted is to be back in the team. Today is a big, big step towards being back on the pitch.
"The fans were unbelievable but they always has been, ever since I arrived in Newcastle six years ago.
"Their support has increased even more since my illness and I want to thank them for that because they have sent me a lot of love and support. I really appreciate that and I am glad to be back."
Gutierrez watched from the sidelines as Papiss Cisse's first half strike earned Newcastle maximum points against a struggling Villa side.
The midfielder hopes to be involved again on Wednesday night when Manchester United come to town, and is targetting another victory.
"It was a very important three points," he explained.
"It wasn't the best game for us, but sometimes you don't care about the way you play, just as long as you win - especially after what happened last weekend at Manchester City.
"Now we have a few games which are going to be tough, but if we want to finish in the top ten we had to win this one against Villa and have look to take points from those games. We are all looking forward to it."