Ariel Ortega and Marcelo Gallardo To Return To River

By: Christian | February 4th, 2009

After weeks of speculation, two of River’s most celebrated stars, Ariel Ortega and Marcelo Gallardo, are set to rejoin the club in time for the upcoming Clausura .

Ortega, one of River’s most loved and revered players, has for months made known his intentions to return to the club. After some initial resistance from his current team, Independiente Rivadavia, where el Burrito has been on loan since last year, a deal was reached through a third party business group that finalized the transfer back to River.

For Gallardo, coming off a disastrous, injury-riddled spell at D.C. United this past season, he returns to Nuñez through what is essentially a pay-to-play contract, whereby he will be compensated based on his playing time.

What does this mean for River? For a club that has for too long lacked a true leader on and off the pitch, the return of two of our most experienced play-makers back together is a welcome and necessary addition for a club currently mired in mediocrity. Ortega was instrumental in winning our Apertura title last year, and Gallardo was just as important to River during that great run of titles during the 90’s.

But there are reasons to be concerned. During their previous stints at the club, both players were involved in very public flareups with their managers. Gallardo effectively caused Reinaldo Merlo to resign over disagreements about the club’s direction, and only last year, you’ll recall the bitter feud between Ortega and Diego Simeone, which led to Ortega’s move to second division Independiente. Also, Gallardo’s contract is a recognition of his proneness to injury, which effectively ended his MLS career, and Ortega’s never ending battle with alcoholism remains an issue.

What do I think? After finishing dead last in the Apertura, and with a woeful pre-season this year, River are in desperate need of help. Ortega and Gallardo are still impact players, and despite being past their prime, their experience and leadership on the field will be invaluable to a squad in search of itself. But is this move the adequate response for a team that just finished its worst season ever? Will two aging players whose heyday is well behind them be enough to see River through a 19 game campaign AND the upcoming Copa Libertadores? Or is this merely a way to appease a disgruntled fan base in order to positively sway public opinion to a much hated President in an election year? That all remains to be seen.

I welcome back Ortega and Gallardo to River. I want them to do well, and we can certainly use their help. Let the Clausura begin, and let’s hope for the best.