BALLS UP 

Fans baffled by statue’s massive bulge as River Plate honour legend Marcelo Gallardo

FANS have been left confused over a statue of a football manager that features a massive bulge.
The figure was erected in honour of River Plate legend Marcelo Gallardo.

Fans are baffled about the bulge around the statue's crotch. Credit: @RiverPlate

The statue shows Marcelo Gallardo celebrating with the Copa Libertadores trophy. Credit: @RiverPlate
Gallardo has been honoured by River Plate: EPA
The Argentine managed River Plate between 2014-22 and won the Primera Division in 2021.
He also led them to Copa Libertadores glory, the South American equivalent of the Champions League, in 2015 and 2018, beating fierce rivals Boca Juniors in the final of the latter.
As a player he also enjoyed success, winning the Copa Libertadores in 1996.
Gallardo helped River Plate to six league titles between 1993 and 2004 and he has now been recognised for his contributions by the club.

To pay tribute they have built a statue of Gallardo holding aloft the Copa Libertadores.
But the huge bulge in the crotch area is what has captured fans' attention.
One wrote: "Gallardo is packing."
Another added: "Gallardo definitely deserves a statue. Not sure what is going on with that bulge though.

A third said: "Man's got a package."
Another commented: "Nothing quite like erecting a statue."

He also led them to Copa Libertadores glory, the South American equivalent of the Champions League, in 2015 and 2018, beating fierce rivals Boca Juniors in the final of the latter.
As a player he also enjoyed success, winning the Copa Libertadores in 1996.

Gallardo helped River Plate to six league titles between 1993 and 2004 and he has now been recognised for his contributions by the club.

FANS have been left confused over a statue of a football manager that features a massive bulge.
The figure was erected in honour of River Plate legend Marcelo Gallardo.