New Al Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo has one of the most bizarre X-rated statues in football
New Al Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo has one of the most X-rated statues in world football.
The Argentine has agreed to become the new head coach of Al Ittihad following the dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo.
Gallardo won many titles during his eight-year spell at River Plate.
He's the most successful manager in River's history. He won 14 trophies following his appointment in 2014, which includes three Copa Libertadores titles.
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His managerial heroics saw him be honoured with a 30ft statue of him lifting the trophy outside the club's ground.
And the statue has an impossible-to-ignore bulge just under the figure's waistline.
It's not the most accurate statue we've ever seen but it's still better than Cristiano Ronaldo's statue.
Gallardo, meanwhile, had been linked with the vacancy at Tottenham during the summer before the Premier League club hired Ange Postecoglou.
He's been out of work since leaving River in 2022.
The 47-year-old will sign a new contract until June 2025. It will also include an option to extend his stay for a further 18 months.
He will become one of the highest-paid coaches as he will earn a whopping £17.5 million-£22 million per year.
Gallardo will boast a star-studded team following the club's extravagant recruitment last summer.
He will manage the likes of Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho, among others.
Al Ittihad currently occupy fifth place in the Saudi Pro League, with 24 points on the board having won seven league games this season.
They are 11 points behind league leaders Al Hilal.
Topics: Saudi Arabia, Football
Nasir Jabbar