Gallardo commits future to River Plate

BUENOS AIRES - Marcelo Gallardo has guaranteed that he will remain head coach of River Plate next year, quashing rumors of a possible move to Europe.

In recent days, Argentinian media reports have linked the 43-year-old with several European clubs, including Barcelona and Everton.

However, the 43-year-old insisted that he intends to honor the remainder of his River contract, which expires in December 2021.

"At the end of the year I usually stop to see where I'm going, what motivates me ... and what works with my professional and personal priorities," Gallardo told a news conference.

"There has been some talk about what decision I might take. I don't want that to continue. On January 2, I will be here to start the pre-season. I'm not interested in generating any kind of uncertainty and my wish is to continue with this team," added Gallardo, a former attacking midfielder who was capped 44 times for Argentina.

Gallardo is considered one of South America's brightest young managers, having guided River Plate to two Copa Libertadores titles since taking charge of the club in 2014. His team lost to Flamengo in the final of this year's edition of South America's top club tournament.

River are currently fifth in the Argentinian Superliga, which this week begins a six-week summer recess.