Jonás Gutiérrez not phased by argy bargy

Nov 28 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Jonás Gutiérrez looks as though a strong gust of wind could blow him over but the Argentinian international has a steely edge to his game. Chief Sports Writer Luke Edwards reports.

LONG dark hair flowing behind him, skinny legs twisting this way and that, Jonás Gutiérrez makes an attractive target for any defender looking to make a mark on one of Newcastle United’s big-name stars.

Few players get knocked down and get up again as regularly as the Magpies’ Argentinian international, but his slender frame is a durable one and this is no South American show pony, all tricks and fancy flicks.

Of all the players that remained on Tyneside after relegation, Jonás is probably the most surprising.

His first season in English football had been an encouraging one and, as an established member of his national side, the 26-year-old would have been expected to flee back to Spain where he had made his name with Real Mallorca.

Jonás, though, never contemplated a retreat back to the relative comfort of continental competition.

Like other Argentinians - including team-mate Fabricio Coloccini – the winger had fallen in love, not just with English football and the money that comes with it, but also a city and a way of life which has been embraced by his family.

And no rough tactics, from Championship defenders looking for an international scalp, are going to do anything to persuade him otherwise as he sets his sights on an immediate return to the Premier League and a successful World Cup with Argentina.

“I am not worried about being kicked, I never have been,” said Jonás, whose lack of goals have been his only major source of frustration at St James’ Park.

“Yes, in the Championship the games are rough and I do get some tough tackles, but it doesn’t bother me.

“I don’t think it is dirty, I just think that’s the way it is. It’s OK, I don’t have a problem if defenders want to kick me. It’s a contact game, you can’t complain about it.

“That the way I was brought up to play the game. Argentinian football isn’t soft. It’s not all about flair and skill. The football is different.

“The style is different in South America and Spain to here, but it’s still football. The defenders still do the same things in Argentina as they do here. It’s more physical here, perhaps, but we can adapt to it.”

He added: “I think this league is very good. The first year, perhaps, was a bit more difficult because it was new, but for me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and I want to get back there. Argentinian players have done well in English football before, going back to Ossie Ardilles at Tottenham. He was an example to me.

“How showed us the way and it has been easier for the players like us who have followed.” Despite his decision to stay in the summer when other foreign players – most notably Obafemi Martins, Habib Beye and Sebastien Bassong – could not get out quickly enough, Jonás has been heavily linked with a move away in January.

His response is clear and unequivocal. “I really enjoy playing for Newcastle, my family are happy here as well and I’m not going anywhere,” said Jonás.