Jonas Gutierrez has hit out at Newcastle United after they informed him of his release in a phone call.
The 31-year-old, who made a dramatic return to football last season after overcoming testicular cancer, scored and assisted in Newcastle’s final day victory against West Ham to secure their Premier League safety. This was not enough to warrant a new contract in the club’s eyes, and he was released a week later.
Gutierrez admits he did not expect to receive a new deal, but has criticised the club for the way they handled his release.
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 live, he said: “I think man to man, face to face is the nice thing to do. It made me think they don’t care about anything.”
He added: “I had been there seven years, I always did my best. The only 18 months I didn’t play was because I was going through my illness.
“Maybe they could have told me before the end of the season so I could say thank you to the fans on the pitch after the last game.”
Jonas is now expected to return to his home country, with Velez Sarsfield reportedly interested in reuniting with the Argentine.
