 On 15 March 1987, however, he unluckily landed on Miguel de Andrés' knee, and the Athletic Bilbao player ended his career after that game, a 2–1 win at the San Mamés Stadium.After a brief spell with Italy's Udinese Calcio, Gallego returned to Spain and Madrid, playing two seasons with Rayo Vallecano in the second division and contributing with 31 matches in his second and last, for an eventual promotion.Retiring at 33, he then worked with his last club in directorial capacities.