St James’ Park hero commits future to the club.
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Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has agreed a new four-year deal with the club to commit his future on Tyneside.
The 28-year-old will stay a Magpie until 2015 after a summer of speculation that he could join the exodus of big-name players.
The Argentina international arrived from Real Mallorca in 2008 amid controversy with the Toon Army believing they had signed the winger on a free.
The clubs eventually settled after a lengthy dispute, and Gutierrez has emerged as a key player in Newcastle’s plans to get into Europe.
He has played his part in a fine start to the new campaign which sees the Magpies sitting in fourth place in the table and unbeaten in eight games in all competitions.
“I have said many times that I love playing for Newcastle,” Gutierrez said. “I love the city, the fans and the team, so I had no hesitation in signing a new contract.
“It has been a good start to the season and this is a great place to be.
“I am proud that the manager and the board see me as part of the long-term future of Newcastle. I have always given my best here and I will always do that.”
He was tipped to join the likes of skipper Kevin Nolan, Jose Enrique and Joey Barton in leaving St James’ during the summer amid interest from Italy and Spain.
But his decision to commit himself to the club has come as a welcome boost to manager Alan Pardew.
“Jonas is an integral part of the future of Newcastle United and we are delighted to have signed a new contract with him,” the boss said.
“As a seasoned international player, he adds a different dimension to our play when he is on the field and is a huge asset to us.
“Jonas can turn a game in an instant, he has marvellous ball skills, a terrific work rate and in my time here, has hardly missed a game.
“That’s the sort of consistency, fitness and performance-wise, that a manager looks for in a player.”