Gutierrez relishing ‘big challenge’

Jonas Gutierrez says he is relishing the “big challenge” awaiting him at Deportivo La Coruna after being officially unveiled on Friday.

The Argentine midfielder joins Depor on a one-year contract as a free agent, having left Newcastle United at the end of last season, and he immediately endeared himself to his new fans by claiming he rejected other offers to make the move to Riazor.

“I wanted to make the best decision and didn't want to rush,” he said.

“I received other offers, which didn't convince me, but I couldn't miss the opportunity of playing in La Liga, a League with huge potential, and with a club like Deportivo, who I'd heard very good things about.

“I'm not a star at all. I've joined to add value to the team, give my best and contribute my bit. The most important thing is that the star is the team.

“German Lux and [former Depor players Fabricio] Coloccini and Xisco Rodriguez spoke in very good terms about the club, fans and city, and I'm very pleased with this opportunity. It's a big challenge.

“[On an Argentina recall], I'm going step by step, but I didn't expect to play out the end of last season with Newcastle after I received my [cancer] treatment.

“For now, I'm only focused on reaching 100 percent and integrating [into the team] as quickly as possible.

“Then, the rest comes only from good returns [on the pitch] and the team doing well.

“[On success], it's very important to have a homogeneous group, in which all the players are pulling in the same direction. Only the group, not individuals, will save the season [if necessary].

“[On working under Victor Sanchez], we introduced ourselves and spoke for a couple of minutes, but there will be time to talk more going forward.

“It was a very brief meeting, but I felt very well because he's a young Coach with a lot to give to the club, and if things go well then it's because we're all going well.

“As players, we're required to give everything to our clubs.”

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