Source: Northern_Echo
Jonas fancies Italian job to complete his treble
JONAS GUTIERREZ has a Primera Division winner's medal from his time in Argentina, while he has also fulfilled an ambition to play in Spain, England and at a World Cup. The Newcastle United winger does, though, have another target to achieve before he retires.[LNB] Gutierrez turns 28 in July and has two more years remaining on his contract at St James' Park, but the skilful South American would love to return home having played in Serie A.[LNB] The left-midfielder is happy and enjoying life at Newcastle, but he does admit the time will come when he will be tempted to head for Italy and tick that last box on his CV.[LNB] "I would love to play in Italy. It would be good to go back to Argentina in a few years and say I have played in the best three leagues in the world," said Gutierrez.[LNB] "That would be a great achievement for me. But I do not care about that right now, it is something for the future, not an immediate priority. If I get the opportunity in the future, I might want to try it to see how I fared there but I am not thinking about that now, maybe later."[LNB] It is only a couple of months since Lazio were credited with an interest in Gutierrez, with unconfirmed reports claiming the Rome club are planning a summer bid.[LNB] "All I am thinking about is that I am really happy in this league," said Gutierrez. "More and more Argentineans are coming to play in England because they know it is the best, just like they have done in Italy for years.[LNB] "I am 27 but have not really got my future mapped out. I am enjoying my career and I'm not thinking too much about the future. What I can say is that I want to play a few more years in Europe before returning home to Argentina.[LNB] "I had three years in Spain, have had three here and have got another two years here and I'm really happy but you never know what might happen."[LNB] When Gutierrez was younger, he used to watch the Premier League on television in his hometown of Saenz Pena. After helping Velez Sarsfield win the Primera Division Clausura Tournament in 2005, followed by three years in La Liga with Real Mallorca, his wish of playing in England arrived in 2008.[LNB] The first season, which ended in relegation after Kevin Keegan left, did not go to plan. After helping Newcastle to promotion from the Championship last season, however, he has adapted better to the Premier League this time around.[LNB] "When I was young, I always wanted to play in the English league and I am really happy to be here and I'm enjoying it," he said. "I prefer playing my football here, it is more competitive although not necessarily better. The Spanish, English and Italian leagues are all good in their own right, just different.[LNB] "Here in England, it is more competitive than in Spain. There are only two teams that can win La Liga but here it is much closer with more strength in depth. The Premier League is stronger and tougher because there are more teams competing for top spot and more teams can beat each other."[LNB] The level of competition he talks about has helped Newcastle climb to 11th this season, with most teams showing an ability to claim points from each other to edge towards a top-ten finish.[LNB] But with manager Alan Pardew's squad stretched because of injuries, Gutierrez thinks there needs to be a number of new additions in the summer to ensure the progress continues.[LNB] "I am happy playing in the English league but to do well for next season, we have to have a stronger squad," said Gutierrez, who is planning on spending his summer break between Argentina and the United States.[LNB] "This year we have had problems with a lot of injuries and at times, it has been a real struggle getting points. That can't happen next season, not at a club like Newcastle.[LNB] "We must be prepared and the manager has to be careful because if we have a lot of injuries, as things stand, it will be hard for us next season.[LNB] "This season we have had the same 11 players playing too many games and that is because we have had too many injuries. Hopefully next year we will have a stronger squad and then we will get more points."[LNB]
