Real Madrid News
Franco Mastantuono speaks for the first time after Real Madrid move – ‘Incredibly grateful’
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.
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.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
