Marcelo Gallardo
was back in the news.
His name was once again a trend on social networks and his image appeared on portals and television channels.
Chelsea have him among the candidates to lead the London club
since the middle of the year.
Meanwhile, the Doll spends his days calmly and takes the opportunity to do all kinds of activities.
Almost five months (and six from the press conference in which he made the announcement) after his departure from River, the Doll does not despair of returning.
He will analyze in detail each offer that he has.
In fact, he
told his coaching staff that until June he was not going to grab any team
.
He wanted to rest and recharge his batteries, after his successful and intense cycle of eight and a half years at the Núñez institution, with which he won 14 titles (7 national and 7 international), including two Copa Libertadores, to become the most winner of the story “Millionaire” and become a statue and legend.
That tour, beyond the great joys, also generated a logical fatigue.
For this reason,
the Doll needed to take a breather
, to enjoy day-to-day things and look at his future with another perspective.
So, in his days of relaxation and tranquility,
there is no shortage of barbecues with family and friends, music and paddle tennis
.
But there were also trips to Europe to watch football, attendance at the Monumental to see the National Team, at RiverCamp to follow his children and even participated in a gastronomic talk.
One of Gallardo's first public appearances after leaving the technical direction of River was in Colombia, in December of last year, when he
traveled to Colombia to visit his eldest son,
Nahuel, who plays for Once Caldas.
From Manizales he
went to Medellín to reunite with Juanfer Quintero
, with whom he maintains a relationship that goes beyond the limits of the playing field.
In fact, the footballer himself said more than once that Gallardo was like a "dad" to him.
Together they shared a party and even showed themselves in photos hugging and singing.
Gallardo was watching games in Europe and also attended the friendly of the National Team at the Monumental. Photo: AFP
Upon returning to Buenos Aires, Gallardo continued with his personal activities.
He enjoyed the World Cup from a distance and the consecration of the Argentine National Team.
And he took the opportunity to spend more time with his family and his closest environment.
And also to relax.
For example, when he spent a night full of music and with friends in Nordelta.
Among them were Daniel Suárez and Nano Campoliete from La Bersuit.
At the beginning of the year, he himself surprised when a video of him appeared on social networks that was part of the announcement of the
international friendly in Saudi Arabia between Paris Saint Germain and a team made up of the best players from Al-Hila
l (Ramón's team). Díaz)
and Al-Nassr
, which he directed.
There he traveled to Pablo Dolce and César Zinelli, members of his coaching staff, Mariano Barnao, who was a soccer manager at River, and his representative, Juan Berros.
There he again directed
Pity Martínez
, another of his favorite players.
Also,
he had the pleasure of having Cristiano Ronaldo
.
And he embraced a big hug, very heartfelt, with Lionel Messi.
It was an image that went around the world.
After the game, he was seen chatting in high spirits on the pitch of Riyadh's King Fahd Stadium, where the match took place.
Gallardo led a team that included Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo: AFP
It would not be the only reunion with the Rosario star, with whom he had shared a dinner some time ago –in which Javier Mascherano had also participated- in Barcelona.
A couple of months later he saw him face to face in the Ángel Labruna locker room at the Monumental.
He went to greet him after the National Team's friendly with Panama, the day of the celebrations for winning the World Cup.
And they took a photo with the shirt that River gave Leo with the "10" and "Messi" on the back.
The Doll had witnessed the game and the event from his box.
It was his first return to Udaondo and Figueroa Alcorta after leaving the technical direction of the club.
Between both meetings with Messi, there were other trips.
One, to San Martín de los Andes, on vacation, where he enjoyed an electronic music festival.
And the other to Europe, to watch football.
He went to England, where
he saw Pep Guardiola and Julián Álvarez's Manchester City
, he went through London and also through Spain, to watch Atlético and Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, rumors were growing that he would be on the list of candidates to direct the "merengue" team, Tottenham and PSG.
Back in Buenos Aires, Gallardo continued to spend time with his children
.
He was seen at RiverCamp, where he went to see Santino, the third, who is in the Sixth Division of River.
And he is excited about the chance to see Matías, the second, in the First Division, after his unofficial debut in the friendly with the University of Chile.
Also,
he plays and walks with Benjamin, the youngest, 3
and a half years old.
Gallardo with his little son, the day of River's consecration in the local championship. Photo: REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
Sport is not lacking either.
Gallardo continues to play paddle tennis, one of his favorite activities after soccer.
And recently he made a pair with Rodrigo Mora in the Lasaigues de Retiro complex.
And, on the other hand, he practices (takes classes) and plays golf.
But not everything is ball or ball.
He was at the CCK, where he was invited to attend a talk by the Catalan chef Ferran Adrià.
There he met his former collaborator Sandra Rossi, a doctor in neuroscience.
At some point, the idea of settling in the United States for a few months passed through Gallardo's head.
But, for now, he has not specified it.
Meanwhile, he is calm and observes the panorama.
Like when he played and put the ball under his sole.
And he will return to the ring to direct when he feels it.