Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has paid tribute to Jonas Gutierrez as the Argentine prepares to close the curtain on a seven-year spell at St James' Park.
The North-East club confirmed last Friday that the 31-year-old, as well as Ryan Taylor, will not have his contract renewed this summer.
Gutierrez, who returned to action earlier this year after surviving testicular cancer, scored the winning goal in the Magpies' 2-0 victory over West Ham United, which kept the club in the Premier League on the final day of the season.
"Jonas has been a great player for Newcastle and someone who has given everything for the club," Coloccini told the club's official website. "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.
"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."
After being released by the club, Gutierrez criticised Newcastle owner Mike Ashley for not supporting him through his cancer battle.
Danielle Joynson
