The "Chivas World" is as peculiar as the "Boca World," to the extent that, halfway through the tournament and in the heat of the battle for a playoff spot in Mexican football, they lose their coach.

A "powerful" team like Guadalajara couldn't compete with the sentimental pull that Boca Juniors represents for Fernando Gago—something Chivas, as the most nationalist team in Mexico, should understand well.

How did we learn about Boca’s interest in Fernando Gago?

The first reports came from Argentina just days before the Clásico Tapatío against Atlas, a surprise to both the media and the passionate Chivas fanbase, which is one of the largest in Mexican football.

In Argentina, Diego Martínez had resigned following a painful loss to Belgrano, announcing his departure in a press conference. Boca Juniors, led by president Juan Román Riquelme, saw Gago, a club legend, as the top candidate to steer the team back on track.

What was an open secret wasn’t really a secret at all. Even Fernando Gago himself publicly denied any contact with the club that had launched his professional playing career.

Fernando Gago Denied Everything

In an interview with the broadcaster that airs Chivas matches in the United States, Gago stated there had been no contact with Boca Juniors and that it had been a "calm week."

“No, honestly, let me clarify, to be truthful, I haven’t had any offers or calls; I don’t know where these reports are coming from, and for me, it’s been a very calm, normal week leading up to a classic where there’s a lot of emotions and anticipation,” he said.

Gago concluded firmly: “No, nobody contacted me. I don’t know where that information came from—I haven’t had contact with anyone, from any club, and I say that because the rumor became very strong. I repeat, neither my people nor I have been in contact with anyone. Anything can happen in football, that’s clear; I could lose five games and not be here anymore, or I could stay for seven years. I always live in the present, and I don’t know why this rumor started. I have a contract with the club.”

According to El Informador, Fernando Gago had already informed Chivas before the Clásico against Atlas, through official channels, that he would exercise the option to terminate his contract. This became official shortly after his departure from the team was confirmed.

Why Did Fernando Gago Deny Contact with Boca Juniors?

Gago was under contract with Guadalajara until May 2025, but the agreement included a buyout clause allowing him to leave by paying a fee between one and one-and-a-half million dollars, without legal consequences. He was in the process of managing the payment through formal channels, aiming to coordinate his exit in alignment with Boca Juniors.

To avoid complications in negotiations, Gago and Boca agreed to keep the process strictly confidential. That’s why his public statements did not surprise those at Boca, as they were part of a carefully planned strategy to secure his release in the near future.

Fernando Gago’s Connections with Current Boca Players

Upon joining Boca Juniors, Gago will reunite with several former teammates and meet others he once faced as rivals on the pitch.

Among his old teammates is Juan Román Riquelme, the club’s current vice president. Gago had admired Riquelme since his days in Boca’s youth academy, where he once served as a ball boy for the legend. Later, they played together during Riquelme’s second stint at the club, between 2013 and 2014, before Riquelme left for Argentinos Juniors.

Additionally, Gago has strong ties to Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo, though they never played together at Boca; instead, they were teammates on the Argentina national team that finished as runners-up at the 2014 World Cup. Unfortunately, Gago missed the 2018 World Cup due to injury.

The only current Boca player who shared the field with Gago at the club is Frank Fabra, who joined the team in 2016 and played alongside him during Gago’s final days as a footballer.