Maradona convinces Gutierrez to stay put

21 August 2009 09:49
JONAS GUTIERREZ has denied he wants to leave Newcastle United and claims Argentine legend Diego Maradona has reassured him that his World Cup place is not under threat.[LNB] It is a little over a week since Gutierrez was quoted in Greek media claiming he had to leave Newcastle to strengthen his chances of going to next years finals in South Africa.[LNB] However, after playing his part in the Magpies unbeaten start to life in the Championship, the South American winger insists turning his back on St James Park following relegation from the Premier League is not in his thinking.[LNB] Olympiacos and Portsmouth are credited with an interest, but he has been heartened by a conversation with Argentina head coach Maradona.[LNB] He said to take care, to do the things in my team, its no problem I have to play in the second division, Im going to be in the squad for qualification, said Gutierrez. Thats the words from the manager, now I am very happy about that.[LNB] It was going to be a difficult situation because I am very happy at Newcastle, but I want to play with my national team, so it was going to be a difficult situation.[LNB] But he told me that there are no problems for me, it was important.[LNB] With four matches remaining in qualification from the South American World Cup qualification group, Argentina occupy the fourth automatic berth behind Paraguay, Chile and Brazil.[LNB] Argentina face Brazil in Rosario on September 5 and Gutierrez feared his place would have been in jeopardy if he did not move on before that date.[LNB] My ambition is to get this club back into the Premier League, said Gutierrez, who played in his countrys 1-0 win over Colombia in June.[LNB] In the future and in the present we have a good opportunity to get Newcastle back there. I am not thinking about going anywhere else at all.[LNB] Of course I cannot say for sure that I am going to be here for four years more, because things can happen in football. But I am here now and as long as I am here I will do my best for the team.[LNB] With the future of Newcastle still to be resolved following further discussions between Ashley and potential investors, more players could be sold before the end of the month.[LNB] With a decision expected from Ashley on whether to take the club off the market today, though, Gutierrez feels the playing staff can only afford to think about things on the pitch.[LNB] You have to think in the present, not of what is going to happen in one week or two weeks, he said. We know that we have not got too many players in the squad, that will be difficult if nobody comes, because the season is very long and we have a lot of matches.[LNB] Midfielder Joey Barton is unlikely to return from a foot injury in time to face Crystal Palace tomorrow, although he could be fit to face Huddersfield in the Carling Cup next week.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo