River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo vows to stay through 2021

Image Courtesy: Twitter/@CARPoficial

River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo has quashed speculation he may head to Europe next year by pledging to remain at Copa Libertadores winners River Plate at least until 2021.

After leading his side to their second Libertadores triumph in four seasons on Sunday, Gallardo said he was happy in Buenos Aires and had no plans to leave the Argentine club.

"We have a contract until 2021," Gallardo told a local radio station after River’s 3-1 win over arch-rivals Boca Juniors in Madrid that gave them a 5-3 aggregate victory.

The final, played in Spain because of violence caused by River fans in Buenos Aires, was one of the most unforgettable moments in the club’s history and Gallardo said his solid relationship with the club where he also spent many years as a player was another reason to stay put.

"That to me is priceless," he said. "I wake up every morning and I enjoy going to work."

"This win was one of the happiest moments because of all it represented and because of what it means to the fans. It’s something that can never be erased."

River now head to the United Arab Emirates to take part in the Club World Cup, which kicks off on Dec. 12.