 Gallego gained almost 45 caps for Spain, representing the nation in two World Cups and as many European Championships.A product of La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid's youth system, Gallego made a quick impression with the first team, appearing in 26 matches in his debut year and being a midfield mainstay during the subsequent seasons as he totalled 250 first division matches with the conquest of, among others, four leagues, two Spanish cups and back-to-back UEFA Cups (1985–86); blessed with physical and technical ability alike, he could operate with equal efficiency as sweeper.In the 1986–87 campaign, Gallego contributed with 37 games and two goals (more than 3,000 minutes of play) as Real Madrid won the national championship, also reaching the semifinals of the domestic cup.