Newcastle United: Jonas Gutierrez criticises release over phone

Jonas Gutierrez scored 12 goals in 205 Newcastle appearances

Jonas Gutierrez says Newcastle made him feel like they "don't care" by releasing him in a phone call.

The Argentine midfielder, who has overcome testicular cancer, scored in a 2-0 win over West Ham on the final day of the Premier League season as the Magpies avoided relegation.

Gutierrez, 31, said he had not expected new deal but believes the club should have met him to give him the news.

"I think man to man, face to face is the nice thing to do," he said.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek, Gutierrez added: "It made me think they don't care about anything."

Gutierrez, who scored 12 goals in 205 Newcastle appearances after joining from Mallorca in 2008, was on a coaching course with former team-mate Ryan Taylor when ex-boss John Carver phoned to tell them they were being let go.

He added: "I had been there seven years, I always did my best. The only 18 months I didn't play was because I was going through my illness.

"Maybe they could have told me before the end of the season so I could say thank you to the fans on the pitch after the last game."

Gutierrez had a testicle removed two years ago but then needed chemotherapy after the cancer returned.

After successful treatment, he made his return as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat by Manchester United at St James' Park on 4 March.