Franco Mastantuono Joins Real Madrid
Franco Mastantuono, the latest addition to Real Madrid’s roster, has revealed that it was his discussion with head coach Xabi Alonso that played a pivotal role in his decision to transfer to the renowned club. The official announcement of Mastantuono’s signing was made earlier this month, confirming that the talented playmaker will join the team in August when he turns 18. He has committed to a six-year contract with the Spanish giants.
Current Endeavors with River Plate
Currently, the young star is competing at the Club World Cup with River Plate, where he has been a starter in both of their matches so far. River Plate is gearing up to face Inter in Seattle on Wednesday.
Impactful Conversations with Xabi Alonso
Reflecting on his conversation with Alonso, Mastantuono expressed his gratitude, stating,
“The way he spoke to me was incredible. I’m really thankful to him for how he engaged with me. Our discussion had a significant impact on my decision.”
He emphasized how hearing directly from the coach instilled a sense of confidence, saying,
“When a coach expresses a desire for you to join their team, it truly boosts a player’s morale. Making the decision to leave a prestigious club like River wasn’t simple, but Alonso’s encouraging words motivated me to take this step.”
A Bright Future Ahead
A standout from River Plate’s youth system, Mastantuono has already made his mark by becoming the youngest player to score for the club and the youngest individual to appear for the Argentine national team. In a competitive race for his signature, Real Madrid outmaneuvered Paris Saint-Germain, having scouted the player for two years before securing the deal.
He is the third acquisition of the summer for Madrid, following Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but opted to fulfill his commitments at the Club World Cup prior to joining the LaLiga side.
Dreams of Playing for Real Madrid
Mastantuono articulated his aspirations for the future, stating,
“Everyone knows what Real Madrid represents. Playing there is a dream come true. It poses an exciting challenge for me. In my view, Real Madrid is the most significant club in the world, having won the most trophies in Europe. Any player would aspire to be a part of that storied organization, and I want to fully embrace this opportunity.”
Alonso’s Supportive Praise
Alonso has praised Mastantuono, describing him as
“a young player with a brilliant present and a remarkable future ahead. His on-field maturity is admirable and resonates off the pitch as well. After our conversation, I recognized his ambition and maturity. Once he joins us in August, I believe he will become a valuable asset to our team.”
