Fernando Gago, the former Real Madrid and Argentina midfielder, underwent emergency surgery in Chile after suffering a heart-related problem. The coach of Universidad de Chile was reported to be in good condition after the procedure, according to an official club statement on Friday evening.
The episode happened on Thursday, shortly after his team’s 2-0 win over O’Higgins in the final round of the first half of the Chilean league season, which is continuing despite the World Cup. Local reports said the 40-year-old, nicknamed "Pintita," was taken to a medical center and operated on in recent hours. ESPN Chile said he was admitted to a clinic in Santiago in the early morning hours after a medical issue, while ADN reported the hospitalization began around 3:00 a.m.
Universidad de Chile said on social media that its head coach was undergoing cardiovascular tests and would not oversee training that day. The club added, "Fernando Gago is in good condition and is being monitored by our medical staff." He is expected to miss upcoming matches, including Universidad de Chile’s Chilean Cup debut on Sunday against Santiago Wanderers. Assistant coach Fabricio Coloccini, a former teammate with Argentina, will stand in temporarily.
Gago has a family history of similar medical emergencies, including his father’s stroke and death 21 years ago when Gago was starting out at Boca Juniors, as well as his brother’s death from the same cause in February 2021. Since retiring in 2020, he has coached Aldosivi, Racing Club, Chivas, Necaxa, and Boca Juniors, and joined Universidad de Chile about three months ago. As a player, he was Messi’s teammate in youth football, helped Argentina win the 2005 Under-20 World Cup with Messi and Sergio Agüero, won two Spanish league titles and one Copa del Rey with Real Madrid, and earned 61 caps for Argentina.