River Plate’s rising star, Franco Mastantuono, has revealed that a heartfelt conversation with Real Madrid-bound manager Xabi Alonso was the deciding factor in his move to the Spanish giants.
The 17-year-old midfield sensation had originally planned to complete his switch to Real Madrid at the end of the year.
However, he is now set to join the club immediately following the FIFA Club World Cup.
In an interview with DAZN, Mastantuono expressed his excitement, describing the transfer as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
“How he talked to me was incredible and I really appreciated it,” he told DAZN.
“The talk had a lot of influence because the fact that the coach loves you is an important vote of confidence for a player. Leaving a club like River is not easy and his words motivated me a lot to take that leap.
“Playing for Madrid is a dream, I don’t need to say in words what that club is, we all know it. It is a new challenge in my life, a very nice challenge.”
With Alonso poised to take the helm at the Bernabéu, Mastantuono’s decision reflects the growing allure of Real Madrid’s new era, one built on trust, vision, and opportunity for young talent.
