NORWICH City have completed the signing of Jonas Gutierrez on loan from Newcastle United until June 30.
The Argentina international midfielder, who has 22 caps for his country, becomes the Canaries’ first signing of the January transfer window.
After completing the move, the 30-year-old said: “I’m happy to be here. It’s an opportunity for me to get back in the game and to try and do my best for the team.
“Personally I want to do the right things on the pitch and win my place, and then for the team we want to finish as high as we can. It’s a tough league, all the games are difficult, but we have a good opportunity.”
Gutierrez played under Chris Hughton while at St James’ Park, and was a prominent member of their Championship-winning team in 2010, earning a place in his country’s World Cup squad that summer.
Since joining the Magpies in July 2008, he has made 195 appearances in all competitions, including four against Norwich City, scoring 11 goals.
On the deal, Hughton commented: “He’s somebody that will certainly bring experience – he’s played close to 200 games for Newcastle so he knows the Premier League very well.
“He’s been in England for five years, so there won’t be that settling in period that you would have with some other players. That’s important, particularly in January when you need players that can go straight into the squad.
“Jonas can play on either flank and in a central position, so he’s a very welcome addition and we look forward to working with him.”
Born in Saenz Pena, a town on the outskirts of the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires, Gutierrez began his professional career at Velez Sarsfield, scoring twice in 99 games.
He moved to La Liga outfit Real Mallorca in 2005, and featured 96 times before his move to Tyneside.