At 37, Nicolás Gaitán is still a professional footballer, a fact that surprises even him. The former Argentine international, who graced the pitches of Benfica, Atlético Madrid, and even had a stint in Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire, finds himself in a state of hopeful limbo, training and awaiting the call that could reignite his career.
“It’s very difficult for a footballer to say that he’s no longer playing,” Gaitán recently told Flashscore. “I’ve read reports that said I had stopped – and some people say that to me too. But those words never came from me. I never said that I was resigning. If an offer had come in January that really interested and excited me, I would have been able to play straight away.”
Gaitán’s recent return to action with Sarmiento in Argentina last year demonstrated his continued fitness. He credits manager Damian Damonte for the opportunity, saying, “Damonte called me and made me feel like Maradona – and when someone gives you that, it’s hard to say no.” He quickly proved he hadn’t lost his touch, playing nearly 80 minutes against Argentinos Juniors just 15 days after joining the club.
A Boca Return That Never Materialized
Despite his deep affection for Boca Juniors, the club where his professional journey began, a return to La Bombonera repeatedly fell through. Gaitán expressed a lingering regret over this missed opportunity. “Maybe some people thought I didn’t want to go back to Argentine football. But there was a crucial moment,” he explained, detailing a situation in 2019 when his contract with Chicago Fire was expiring.
“I spoke to my agent Jose and told him that I wanted to play for Boca. It felt like the right moment: I was 30 or 31, free and at the peak of my career. But then it didn’t happen. There were presidential elections in December and I was in advanced discussions with Nicolas Burdisso. After the election everything should be finalized. But Ameal won, Burdisso resigned – and I never got a call.”
Subsequent attempts to negotiate a move to Boca also proved fruitless. “They contacted me in June, but I had already signed [elsewhere]. The following year, when I waited again, nothing came. It was always my wish to return. Many people know that I never wanted to leave Boca. But 22 million euros was a good deal for the club. I regret nothing.”
Gaitán acknowledged that the timing never quite aligned. “As you get older, you want to feel ready. At a club like Boca, 80 percent isn’t enough – you have to be at 110 percent. Otherwise it will be very difficult.” He harbors no ill will towards the club’s leadership, expressing respect for current president Juan Román Riquelme and acknowledging the role of previous president Daniel Angelici in his initial departure.
Benfica: A Defining Chapter
Gaitán’s six-year spell with Benfica remains a highlight of his career. He described the club’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in supporting players and their families upon arrival in Portugal. “When I arrived, Benfica gave me two cell phones that were already set up. Small details, but extremely important when you move to a foreign country. The structure of the club was impressive. They took complete care of the player and his family – and therefore could ask for anything on the pitch.”
He fondly recalled the passion of the Portuguese fans, noting that “Football determines everything there. People still recognize me and are grateful because we won titles. Victories create lasting memories.”
A Different Experience at Atlético Madrid
His time at Atlético Madrid, however, was less fulfilling. “It was different for me personally. The attention I got at Benfica wasn’t there at Atletico. I had to look for an apartment through contacts instead of the club organizing it. I missed that care.” Despite this, he acknowledged the club’s stature and the fervent support of its fans.
Argentina and the Weight of Expectations
Gaitán also reflected on his international career with Argentina, lamenting his inability to feature in a World Cup. “Of course I would have liked to have experienced that. But the 2016 Copa América Centenario eased that pain a little. It was my first major tournament with the national team and I really enjoyed it.”
He spoke of Lionel Messi with respect, describing him as a teammate and a colleague. “When you’re part of the team, he’s just a teammate. You drink mate, talk – it’s normal. We’re not close friends, but when we see each other we hug. We spent many years together in the national team.” He also recalled the emotional fallout from Argentina’s Copa América final defeats, particularly in 2016.
Gaitán shared a brief anecdote about Diego Maradona, recalling a warm embrace and the legendary player knowing his name upon their first meeting. “That meant everything. Diego always wanted to play – even in training. He was just different.”
Looking Ahead
Away from the pitch, Gaitán remains grounded. He humorously suggested he might have followed his father into the textile industry had football not worked out. When asked about his greatest achievements, he prioritized his family and the opportunity to represent Boca Juniors and Argentina.
He singled out Jorge Jesus, his former Benfica manager, as the best coach of his career, praising his tactical acumen and clarity of vision. As he waits for the next chapter in his career, Nicolás Gaitán remains a testament to the enduring passion and dedication that defines a life in football.
