Eight meters high, more than six tons and a detail that caused debate: River pays tribute to Marcelo Gallardo with a controversial statue

Without a doubt Marcelo Gallardo He’s a true living legend River Plate . And that’s how the club made former manager and Millionaire player feel, paying him a moving tribute with the presentation of a statue in his honor . However, the tribute has not only gained notoriety for the person who received it or for the importance of this type of work. He also did it for a particular detail: the size of the ex-midfielder’s crotch.

Attendees and social networks were quick to notice the peculiarity and open an intense detail regarding this part of the creation of the sculptor Mercedes Savall.

The exciting ceremony in honor of the “Doll”, the most winning coach in the history of “La Banda” was held outside the Monumental Stadium and was part of the institution’s 122nd anniversary celebrations.

But the former coach was not alone in the tribute. A crowd came to the sports venue to express their affection for Gallardo, who was also accompanied by former River Plate managers and colleagues, among which was the Chilean Marcelo Salas.

The “Matador” recounted that “in two stages we were together as companions. We have a lot of anecdotes but they cannot be told live (…), we had a lot of fun when ‘Gata’ Fernández arrived in 2003 and we didn’t let him into the room. In the end, he came to the room with a mattress and ended up sleeping with us in the middle,” recalls the former La Roja striker, who adds that “What you have done fills us with pride. I congratulate you friend” he dedicated to the now technical director.

To the words of the former historical scorer of the Chilean team was added Hernan Diaz former River Plate right-back who also shared a dressing room with Gallardo: “As Marcelo Salas said, we are proud of what he has become, especially those of us who knew him as a child. All that remains is to thank him for winning the best final all” he pointed out, referring to the 2018 Copa Libertadores, won against Boca Juniors in Madrid.

After the presentation of some videos, it was “Muñeco” himself who took charge of unveiling the statue in his honor: a work of 8.10 meters high where we see the coach lifting, precisely, the trophy of the highest continental competition.

Once the imposing sculpture is known, Gallardo – visibly moved – addresses the cheering crowd: “Thank you so much for being there, really. When I came, I knew it was going to be a tough time to express myself. You can’t imagine the emotion I feel.” he said through tears.

“All I want is to thank you. I feel privileged, even with a certain discomfort (…). My life will not reach me to thank. There are a lot of people that I love and who have accompanied me throughout my career.” he added.

He later added that “I once said that it was difficult to leave. There is no possibility of leaving this club. What I wanted to express with an emotion that overwhelms me is gratitude (…). This club is great for its history but also for the glories that we have had the chance to experience and share.” .

“This club will continue to grow, it will continue to happen. I am lucky to be able to be part of history” concluded “Doll”.

Recall that between mid-2014 and the end of 2022, a period during which Gallardo was in charge of the Millionaire first team, River Plate won a first division title (2021), three Argentine Cups (2016, 2017 and 2019 ), two Argentine Super Cups (2017 and 2019) and one Champions Trophy (2021), as well as one Copa Sudamericana (2014), two Recopa Sudamericana (2015 and 2016), two Copa Libertadores (2015 and 2018), a Suruga Bank Cup (2015) and a South American Cup Winners Cup (2019).