Gutierrez: I’ll wear Spiderman mask in future

Nov 9 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

ON a day when protests were all the rage at St James’ Park, Jonás Gutiérrez explained his refusal to celebrate his long-awaited first goal for Newcastle United was down to one of his own.

Saturday witnessed the Magpies’ first match at their home ground since plans were announced to sell its naming rights. That coincided with Chris Hughton’s appointment as permanent manager and confirmation that Mike Ashley has put plans to sell the club on ice for a second time in 12 months. Before, during and after the 3-1 win over Peterborough United there were protests at the name change and Ashley’s continued tenure. Gutiérrez gave the owner a vote of confidence, and explained his downbeat reaction to finding the net was a result of untrue transfer gossip.

“I did not celebrate because there was speculation I wanted to leave,” said the Argentina international. “I do not know who said it but for me it is incredible, because I never said nothing.

“The only thing I have ever said is I want to stay in Newcastle and get promotion. I am happy here and my family are happy. When you hear people saying you want to leave it is bad. It is hard in the Championship – but I want to be here. Every time people ask me about Newcastle

I say what I believe, I love it here. Maybe there are some clubs interested in me, I don’t know, but it is one thing to say that and another thing to say I do not want to be here. That is what I don’t like.

“I love Newcastle and want us to be in the Premier League.”