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Real Madrid reportedly paid £63m to trigger the teenager’s release clause following his breakout season with River, which also earned him a national team call-up.
Franco Mastantuono. (X)
Argentine wunderkind Franco Mastantuono, who is set to make the switch to Spanish giants Real Madrid from River Plate, opened up on the role new Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso played in the 17-year-old’s move to the La Liga heavyweights.
Real Madrid reportedly paid the Argentine side £63m to trigger the teenager’s release clause following his breakout season with River, which also earned him a national team call-up.
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“The way Xabi handled things with me was incredible. I’m really grateful,” Mastantuono said.
Mastantuono became the youngest player to appear in an official match for the Argentine national side when he played in Aliceleste’s World Cup qualifier against Chile earlier this month.
Alonso, who replaced former head coach Carlo Ancelotti at the helm of the Capital City side, assured the Argentine of his essence to the Spaniard’s plans at the Madrid club, which served as a major boost for the teenager.
“That conversation had a big impact on me. When a coach genuinely wants you, that’s a huge show of trust, especially when you’re leaving a club as massive as River,” the 17-year-old added.
“That’s not an easy decision, but his words gave me the motivation I needed to make the leap,” the Argentine said.
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Mastantuono, who managed to net 7 times in the season for the Buenos Aires club, also touched up on the dream move and the opportunity to represent the most successful side in the history of the UEFA Champions League.
“It’s the team that has won the most in Europe, any player wants to play there, and the fact that it’s happening to me is a dream come true,” he added.
“I know I still have a lot to learn in football and I’m eager to keep growing,” he continued.
“I like to listen, observe and absorb everything around me. That’s my greatest strength and it helps me make decisions on the pitch,” he elucidated.
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