Archive
Coloccini Hails Departing Gutierrez
Written by Newcastle Utd
Fabricio Coloccini has paid tribute to close friend Jonas Gutierrez, who will leave United at the end of June
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has paid tribute to teammate and close friend Jonas Gutierrez, as the Argentine midfielder prepares to leave St. James' Park at the end of June.
Thirty-one-year-old Gutierrez is out of contract on Tyneside this summer and, after seven seasons and more than 200 appearances in the famous black and white stripes, will ply his trade elsewhere next term.
The majority of those outings for the Magpies have come alongside fellow countryman Coloccini.
And United's skipper told nufc.co.uk that Gutierrez will never be forgotten by those he shared a dressing room with and those on the terraces.
"Jonas has been a great player for Newcastle and someone who has given everything for the Club," Coloccini explained.
"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."
Gutierrez signed off his time on Tyneside with a goal against West Ham on the final day of the season, helping Newcastle secure their Premier League status for another season.
And Coloccini continued: "I am very proud of him for that moment.
"In my opinion, one of the biggest reasons we stayed in the Premier League this season was because Jonas was on the pitch in the final game.
"Scoring in front of the Gallowgate End in his last game for the Club was perfect."