Buenos Aires (EFE) rival, Boca Juniors.
“I grew up in this club and I think I will die in this club, I am privileged,” said the ‘Doll’, visibly moved, among the chants of thousands of fans who came to the Monumental Stadium to witness the inauguration of the statue: a construction in bronze eight meters high and weighing seven tons.
The event, organized just two days after River’s 122nd anniversary, was attended by the club’s top staff. As well as former players and members of the current squad, such as Franco Armani, Enzo Pérez and Nacho Fernández. Who were part of the team that won the Copa Libertadores in 2018.
The legend of Marcelo Gallardo
For almost an hour, various figures from the “Millionaire” recalled Gallardo’s passage through the institution with anecdotes. First as a footballer (1992-1999, 2003-2006 and 2009-2010). And later as a technician (2014-2022); years in which he established himself as one of the club’s greatest legends.
“It is very difficult to leave here. There is no possibility that one can get rid of this wonderful club, there is no possibility”, acknowledged the ‘Muñeco’, who could not contain his tears at the affection of the fans.
The former coach assured that River “will not stop growing”, something “wonderful” in a “country as difficult” as Argentina, which has been going through a deep macroeconomic crisis for the last five years.
“I am blessed to be able to be part of the history of this club”, stated Gallardo, to conclude with words of thanks to the highest authorities of the club, the players and the fans.
four years of waiting
The history of this sculpture, which will have a kind of time capsule with letters from former President Rodolfo D’Onofrio, the current leader, Jorge Brito, and Gallardo himself, among others, has been full of postponements and unforeseen events, since since Its inauguration was expected more than three years ago.
Specifically, the wish of the fans who donated their keys for the making of the work by Mercedes Savall -who was already in charge of the statue of another River legend, Ángel Labruna- was for the work to be completed on the first anniversary of the Libertadores 2018.
However, various events -including the covid-19 pandemic- led to the postponement of a work that was to be unveiled on December 9, but which was postponed until this Saturday, because it coincided at that time with the quarterfinals of the Qatar World Cup.
On November 13, Gallardo played his last game as River Plate coach in Mendoza (western Argentina). With a friendly against the Spanish Betis, in which the ‘Millionaire’ won 4-0.
The ‘Muñeco’, replaced on the River Plate bench by another man from the house, Martín Demichelis, won 14 titles in eight and a half years, establishing himself as the most successful coach in the club’s history.
With Gallardo, River Plate won the 2014 Copa Sudamericana, the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Recopa Sudamericana, the 2015 and 2018 Copa Libertadores. The 2015 Suruga Bank Cup, the 2016, 2017 and 2019 Argentine Cup, the Argentine Super Cup of 2017 and 2019. The Professional League of 2021 and the Champions Trophy of 2021.