' I went [and] paid the clause' - Fernando Gago revealed how he negotiated his departure from Chivas in just one day to join Boca Juniors

Fernando Gago has spoken publicly for the first time since his controversial departure from Chivas - a move that drew heavy criticism after the Argentine coach had previously denied any intention to leave the club for Boca Juniors. Several Chivas players even claimed Gago promised them he would stay, only to exit midseason during the Apertura 2024 campaign.

In an interview with ESPN, Gago clarified that he had no prior contact with Boca before talks officially began - but once approached, he moved quickly to activate his release clause.

“I had my first meeting with Boca on a Tuesday, even though it had been two weeks that it was being talked about, and I didn’t know anything,” Gago said. “I had no contact with anyone from Boca. They called me on Tuesday, and immediately I cut things off, went and talked to the sporting director of Guadalajara. I had a release clause, just like I would’ve had if Guadalajara had fired me. The clause was for both sides. I went, paid the clause, and by Wednesday I was negotiating my contract.”

Gago had a positive run during his time in Mexico with Chivas, which is why fans felt betrayed by his sudden departure to Boca Juniors. In his first tournament with the Rebaño, the Argentine-led team reached the semifinals in Liga MX and the Round of 16 in the Champions Cup. Unfortunately for them, they were eliminated from both tournaments by their archrival América. However, reaching that stage left a very positive impression on a team that hadn't been champions since 2017. But in the following tournament, the Apertura 2024, things didn’t go as Gago would have hoped, as the team earned just 15 points in 11 matches. Although the numbers weren’t the worst, they could have influenced his decision to leave the team, in addition to his love for the Xeneize club, where he grew as a professional footballer.

Gago had a difficult start with Boca Juniors, losing 3-0 in his first match against Tigres. Although some thought his time on the Xeneize bench would be short, the coach has managed to turn the team's fortunes around, and they are now one of the best teams in the league. "This is my home, I grew up here since I was eight years old, I've been through beautiful and very tough things in life, but I love it here," said the former Real Madrid player.

Gago has won two titles as a coach: the Argentine Champion's Trophy and an International Supercup, both with Racing, where he coached from 2021 to 2023. Interestingly, both titles were won against Boca Juniors, the club of his heart. His success with Racing was key for him to move to Chivas.