Visibly moved at a press conference alongside club officials, Gallardo announced that when his contract expires in December he will leave after eight-and-a-half years in charge.
Just hours after River Plate’s fourth win in a row that secured qualification for the Copa Libertadores 2023, the club have been hit with some major news. Marcelo Gallardo has decided to put an end to his reign in charge of the Argentinian giants.
Gallardo called a press conference at midday this afternoon at the Monumental Stadium, where he gave a brief message with special thanks to his team, and the fans who have supported him.
“It’s one of the most difficult decisions of my life,” admitted the two-time Copa Libertadores winning coach, who was accompanied by president Jorge Brito, his vice-president Matias Patanian and technical secretary Enzo Francescoli.
With a lump in his throat, one of River Plate’s greatest idols took stock of his time in dugout: “Beyond the sadness, I have an inner peace that makes me feel good about myself. I’m very proud of the road I’ve travelled. We have experienced some great things over the years.
“The time we have dedicated all these years to our beloved club has been beautiful. But everything has an end. I think it’s time to close a beautiful and very valuable cycle,” he reflected.
The most emotional moment of his speech was when he was on the verge of tears when he mentioned the River fans: “I want to thank the fans for every little tribute they have paid me when I have entered a playing field. It will be an unforgettable memory for me. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.
“Sunday will be my last game at the Monumental. It has been a beautiful story,” he concluded.
Gallardo took over as coach in June 2014 and since then has won 14 titles. He was in charge of 422 matches, with a record of 227 wins, 111 draws and 84 defeats.
Akashjadav
0
i want this men in barcelona
Slow-Kelvin_10
0
This man should have been appointed as Barca coach ahead of Xavi