Mastantuono talks Real Madrid move, Alonso, Bellingham, PSG interest, Messi | OneFootball

Real Madrid have officially presented Franco Mastantuono, their latest arrival from River Plate. After the presentation, the young Argentine addressed the media for the first time.

He will wear the number 30 shirt, meaning he will be registered with Castilla instead of the first team, a strategic move by the club to keep a spot free for another signing this summer.

Although the number 25 is available in the first team, Mastantuono chose 30, the same number he wore at River Plate.

When asked how he felt about joining Los Blancos, he said: “I’m very happy, I’m feeling full of energy. It’s always been a dream of mine to play for Madrid.”

On when he found out about Madrid’s interest, he added, “I’m so grateful to the fans for their support. When it came out and became official, I was still at River Plate and my mind was on River Plate. But when I arrived, my focus changed for this great club.”

Praise for Xabi Alonso and Madrid icons

Mastantuono also explained how Xabi Alonso reached out before the transfer. “I had already spoken to Xabi, he called me, it was very important for me that he showed that confidence. It was private, but his call gave me a lot of confidence, it meant a lot.”

The 18-year-old reflected on his journey from River to Madrid. “I said my first dream was to play for River, and I achieved it. The greatest team in America. And many have gone to Madrid.

“I didn’t see Di Stefano, but I’ve heard about him, and I know what he meant. It’s a great joy to be able to go from River to Madrid like he did.”

On the club’s place in football history, he said, “I think Madrid is the greatest club in the world; that’s the story. I’m here to make my mark. I want Real Madrid fans to be proud of what I do on the pitch.”

Focused on helping the team

Mastantuono wants to make his mark at Real Madrid. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

Mastantuono recalled his first memory of the club. “I saw Real Madrid win the Champions League, dominating Europe, that’s my memory. It was incredible, they were historic years. I hope to have more years like that.”

He also shared his emotions upon signing: “I fulfilled a dream. I never imagined celebrating a birthday like this. Joining a club like Madrid, with this greatness, is a dream, something unique.”

The midfielder admired his new teammate: “Madrid has incredible players every season; the best are here.

“It’s great to be at a club like Madrid, with the players they have and have had. I was just with Bellingham today. I ran into him, he welcomed me wonderfully. I admire him greatly. I love him.”

He admitted waiting to train with the squad was not easy: “It was a little anxiety-inducing. I wanted to join the team. They were great days. I hadn’t been to Madrid before, and I felt very comfortable. Luckily, it’s finally here.”

On PSG’s interest and more

On his shirt number, he confirmed: “I asked for it, number 30. It’s special to me, I used to wear it at River Plate. Luckily, they accepted it.”

Franco Mastantuono will wear number 30 shirt at Real Madrid. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

He also noted that he is ready to adapt: “I’ll be there however I can to help the team, in whatever position the coach decides. I’m here to help however I can.

“I’m more used to playing on the right, dropping in. But wherever I play, my intention is to help. Whatever the coach decides will be good to help the team.”

PSG were also interested, but he made his choice clear. “It’s true that there were conversations. I appreciate the conversation I had with Luis Enrique. But I ultimately chose Madrid.”

On Argentine players at the club, he said: “It was nice to follow the progress of several players at Real Madrid. I didn’t get to see Alfredo Di Stefano, but I did see Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain… I watched them a lot.”

When asked about the best player in the world, his answer was clear: “For me, it’s Messi. I’m Argentine, and for me, he’s the best.”

Lastly, he remains confident about his adaptation: “Let’s wait and see how I train, and we’ll know better. I’m ready to help the team and make this first stage easy for me.”

And on the challenges of Spanish football, he concluded: “In the Spanish League, there’s a lot of possession-based, tactical football, which I like. The pace is obviously higher, but I hope to do well.”

Source: AS