A giant eight-metre tall bronze statue of River Plate legend Marcelo Gallardo has been unveiled in Argentina outside the club’s Monumental Stadium, sparking mockery among fans due to an exaggerated feature – an oversized crotch area. The statue, which has inspired a host of internet memes, was created by sculptor Mercedes Savall who says the trouser bulge was deliberate and reflects vulgar terrace slang in the country. Savall added that Gallardo, who is the most successful manager in River Plate’s history, had no objection to the statue and expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, coaching staff and players who have accompanied him.
The fun poked at Gallardo’s statue echoes attention generated around previous sculptures, including ones of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah. During an 18-year career, Argentina international Gallardo had two stints at River Plate and played for a number of clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, before retiring in 2011 and going into management. Gallardo left his coaching role at River Plate last year and said he will always love the fans and that he grew up in this club and will die in this club.