Argentine head coach Gallardo to leave River Plate after 8 years

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Argentine head coach Marcelo Gallardo will leave River Plate at the end of the 2022 football season after spending eight years at the Buenos Aires club, he confirmed in a Thursday press conference.

Gallardo, a 46-year-old former River Plate and Monaco midfielder, said his contract at the Argentine side was ending in December and that he "will no longer be at the club."

"It is one of the most difficult and heartfelt decisions. I knew it was going to be a very delicate moment to express myself, but well, I will make a short pause," he said.

"... It has been a beautiful story, thank you very much," Gallardo said, adding that he would have his last match at River Plate's home Monumental on Sunday.

River Plate paid tribute to Gallardo and praised his achievements for the Argentine club on Twitter.

"After more than eight years of glory that will remain forever in the history of River and football, Marcelo Gallardo announced the end of his term as coach of the Club," it said.

Gallardo coached River Plate in 2014-2022 to win South America's top-tier tournament Copa Libertadores twice, second-tier contest Copa Sudamericana once, and the Argentine Primera Division once. He also claimed multiple Argentine Cups and Super Cups with River Plate.

The 2022 Argentine Primera Division will end on Oct. 23 after matchday 27.

River Plate's archrivals Boca Juniors are leading the league with 48 points in 24 matches.

Boca Juniors are getting closer to winning the 2022 title as second-place River Plate have 44 points in 25 games.

River Plate are closely chased by two clubs in the standings. Racing Club and Tucuman both have 44 points each, as well.