Franco Mastantuono speaks for the first time after Real Madrid move – ‘Incredibly grateful’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid splashed €63 million (including taxes and variables) to sign Franco Mastantuono from River Plate earlier this month.

The 17-year-old Argentine prodigy will join the club in August as he is currently representing his boyhood club at the FIFA Club World Cup and making a big impression.

Mastantuono talks Real Madrid move, Xabi Alonso role

In his first public comments since the deal was announced, Mastantuono spoke to DAZN (h/t Mundo Deportivo) ahead of River’s match against Inter Milan.

“Any player in the world dreams of playing for River Plate and Real Madrid. I want to leave River Plate on a high note because it’s given me everything, and I’m very grateful. My focus is on River Plate and trying to win the tournament,” said the teenager.

Real Madrid’s latest recruit. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Mastantuono also revealed that a personal conversation with Xabi Alonso was a decisive factor in choosing Real Madrid, who moved quickly to beat PSG to his signature.

“The way he spoke to me was incredible, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. The conversation was very influential because having the manager want you is a significant vote of confidence for a player,” he said.

“Leaving a club like River Plate isn’t easy, and his words really motivated me to make that leap.”

Continuing, he added: “Playing for Madrid is a dream come true. I don’t need to put into words what that club is like; we all know what it is. It’s the club that has won the most in Europe and the best club in the world. It’s a new challenge in my life, a very nice one.

“What’s happening to me is unique, and I’m very grateful for football and for life.”

As has already been reported, Alonso sees Mastantuono as an important part of his plans at Real Madrid and plans to hand him a key role in the team.