The world of South American football, and particularly River Plate fans, were caught by surprise during an unusual press conference moment. Marcelo Gallardo, the 'Millionaire' legend and former Al-Ittihad coach in Saudi Arabia, faced a question that ignited many imaginations: Would he call Cristiano Ronaldo to play for River Plate? The "Doll's" reaction was as enigmatic as it was telling, sparking all sorts of interpretations about the possibility of seeing the Portuguese star in the red and white sash.
The scene unfolded after River Plate's 1-1 draw against Universitario, in a context where Gallardo was present, either in his coaching role or at a club-related event. The journalist, with a mix of audacity and curiosity, posed the "unusual question," which harked back to Gallardo and Cristiano Ronaldo's overlap in the Saudi League, where the coach managed Al-Ittihad and 'CR7' plays for Al-Nassr.
The Enigmatic Smile
Gallardo's response was concise, but his body language spoke volumes. When asked, the "Doll" offered a smile that many interpreted as a mix of surprise, disbelief, and perhaps a touch of mischief. "I don't name names regarding that," was his laconic reply, leaving more questions than answers. That characteristic smile became the center of all attention and the main headline of the day.
The idea of Cristiano Ronaldo at River Plate, while seeming like a fantasy to most, isn't entirely alien to the current dynamics of South American football. The arrival of world-class figures like Edinson Cavani at Boca Juniors and, above all, Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, has shown that what once seemed impossible can now be a reality, though always with significant financial challenges involved.
A Financial Everest
Nevertheless, the concretization of a signing like Cristiano Ronaldo's would entail unprecedented financial engineering for any South American club. The Portuguese's salary, having earned astronomical figures in Saudi Arabia, places him far beyond the economic possibilities of most leagues on the continent. Therefore, the question to Gallardo, more than a real possibility, was a provocation—a media game that the coach handled with his usual composure and a dose of mystery.
Marcelo Gallardo's enigmatic smile and his evasive answer have served to fuel fans' dreams and to remind us that, in football, sometimes the most far-fetched fantasies generate the most conversation and expectations, even if their realization seems like a pipe dream.
from: elfutbolero.us