Marcelo Gallardo will leave River Plate when his contract ends in December after more than eight years at the club, he told reporters during a press conference on Thursday.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (US)
Gallardo, whose spell has marked one of the most successful periods in River’s history, said he informed the club’s board of his decision in a meeting on Wednesday.
“My contract ends in December and I will no longer stay at the club. It was one of the most difficult and heartbreaking decisions I have ever made,” the Argentine said.
“Beyond the announcement, I’m here to thank the people who have trusted me,” he added.
Gallardo arrived at River in May 2014 and won 14 trophies with the Argentine club, including seven international titles, six national cups and the 2021 Argentine league.
He also guided River to victory over nasty rivals Boca Juniors in the 2014 Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores in 2015, 2018 and 2019.
Gallardo’s final game at River’s iconic Estadio Monumental was against Rosario Central on Sunday before they played their final game of the season at Racing Club.
“I will end my relationship as usual, on Sunday I will have my last match at Monumental,” he added.
“Thank you [to the fans] for all the support and love you’ve given me. That is a beautiful story. “
River is second in the Argentine first division, four points behind Boca Juniors, the team has one game left.
