For almost eight years, the stories of fans of River who are lucky enough to meet Marcelo Gallardo could be collected to put together a best seller. From those who come to Ezeiza’s property to greet him when he leaves with his car even those who travel thousands of kilometers to enjoy a unique encounter.
But not only the fans feel a special affection for the most winning coach in the history of the club. The vast majority of former CARP players who were lucky enough to meet him have great memories of him and one of them is Martin Aguirre. El Gula made an emotional post on his Instagram account to portray how the emotional reunion with the Doll was, despite the fact that they shared little time together during their stay in Núñez.
Martín Aguirre with Marcelo Gallardo at the Monumental. @martinaguirre19
“That heartfelt hug, of reunion and ‘how nice to see you’. It is the person, the human being, not the “soccer player”. Because sportingly I didn’t give him anything, only 20 minutes in my last game in Formosa for the Argentine Cup. Talk about what is… I was part of his cycle in River as DT, I lived his process and growth, from the inside without being able to compete but accompanying from my place and giving what I could and had at that time “started.
Aguirre earned the affection of the Monumental for his humility and commitment when putting on the band on his chest in a match or in training. He didn’t score too many goals, he didn’t win international titles, but He was part of the team that returned to the highest division of Argentine soccer in 2012 and his long struggle to overcome a series of serious injuries that took him away from the courts for a long time is highlighted.
Martin Aguirre in River.
“He has given me more from the human, affection, trust, empathy, closeness and making me feel part of it at all times. In my last operation, he, Biscay, Buján and Professor Dolce were the first ones I saw and they were in the room as soon as I woke up. Those gestures are greatly appreciated and mark. Thank you,” recalled the former midfielderwho suffered a torn cruciate ligament in the 2012 Apertura superclásico, which was the beginning of the end of his career.
Martín Aguirre and the hug with Gallardo. Instagram martinaguirre19
Martín was unable to fully recover from the injury and had to undergo surgery for a second time in May 2013. He then suffered from a torn quadriceps and returned to feel pain in his knee. El Pelado was finally able to recover in June 2015, but decided to hang up his boots in an emotional match. Beyond the difficult retirement, the memory of the Doll will generate great pride.
“Thank you Marcelo for having been a significant part of my life and everything you have achieved at a club like River makes me happy. An institution that marks the lives of all of us who have passed through this club forever,” he concluded.
