Jonas Gutierrez has hailed a "second chance" in his life after the cancer survivor struck the winning goal to keep Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Magpies retained their top-flight status by beating West Ham United 2-0 at St James' Park, recording their first win in 11 games.
Former Argentina international Gutierrez, who was given the all-clear after undergoing treatment for testicular cancer earlier in the season, expressed his delight at being able to deliver for his side.
He told Sky Sports News: "To be honest, a few months ago, I didn't know if could be here again. I'm here, I am enjoying playing football and happy to be given a second chance in my life.
"It's fantastic to be here in this stadium again."
The midfielder, who is expected to leave the club in the summer, said that the Magpies should now be targeting a top-10 finish next term.
"The fans don't deserve to be in this [position]," he added. "We have to look forward and we need to look for top 10 and not look towards the bottom."
Meanwhile, the club's owner Mike Ashley has rejected talk of selling up this summer.
Paul Gorst
