Real Madrid News
Mastantuono reflects on Real Madrid spell after loan move: ‘It wasn’t easy, but these experiences help’
Franco Mastantuono has opened up about his decision to leave Real Madrid and join Fiorentina on loan for the 2026/27 season, insisting that his move to Serie A is about development rather than proving a point.
The Argentine midfielder, who has joined Fiorentina on a one-year loan from Real Madrid, was presented to the media after becoming one of the Italian club’s standout additions of the summer.
Mastantuono had several options available, but he explained that Fiorentina’s project convinced him that Florence was the right destination for the next stage of his career.
“I chose Fiorentina because they presented me with a very interesting project that is on the up, and I believe it was also important for my career to join this sort of club.
“I’m very happy with the decision I’ve made. Italian football is hugely important on the world stage; I’ve always liked the idea of playing in this country.
“Now I have the opportunity and I hope to develop here and have a good season with Fiorentina,” he began.
The 19-year-old arrives in Serie A after a difficult period at Real Madrid, but he made it clear that his decision was carefully considered.
Mastantuono impressed by Fiorentina project
Fiorentina’s interest clearly made a strong impression on the Argentine.
Mastantuono revealed that he was particularly convinced after speaking with the club and the manager, eventually making his decision around a week before the transfer was officially announced.
The reception he received after arriving in Florence only strengthened his belief that he had made the right choice.
“I arrived in Florence and people gave me a very warm welcome; my arrival at the airport was lovely.
“I don’t see it as a responsibility, but rather as a commitment to my teammates too, so that Fiorentina can return to the top.
.@acffiorentina, Franco Mastantuono è arrivato a Firenze pic.twitter.com/6YdMejcvck
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) August 6, 2026
“It’s important for me to play well. I’ll be there for the team as always.
“I feel comfortable in the attacking third, but what matters is helping the team, so I’ll do whatever the manager asks of me,” he added.
Before joining Real Madrid, he represented River Plate, meaning he has already experienced football at two of the game’s biggest and most demanding clubs.
“I’ve had the opportunity and the privilege to play for River Plate and Real Madrid, two major, truly great clubs.
“I like the pressure, because it’s a game we play with great passion, but it’s also a job.
“For me, those two previous experiences were unique, as was playing in such impressive stadiums. These are factors that will also help me in my future career,” he added.
Fiorentina move is not about revenge
The Real Madrid chapter was inevitably a major subject during Mastantuono’s first press conference.
The Argentine explained that his discussions with the Spanish club were respectful and that the decision to leave was ultimately his own.
“When I spoke to Real Madrid, it was a cordial and friendly conversation. I decided to leave the club; I had plenty of options and I’d like to thank everyone who showed an interest.
“But when I spoke to Fiorentina and the manager, I was really impressed by the project, so I made the decision a week before the announcement.”
Despite a difficult season at Real Madrid, he is not framing the move as an escape or a chance to settle scores.
"Sono molto contento della scelta che ho fatto."
— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) August 20, 2026
Franco Mastantuono. 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/cqChb2mIBc
Instead, the midfielder sees the loan as an opportunity to establish himself and gain the consistency that can be difficult to find in a squad filled with elite players.
“At Madrid, we had a difficult season for everyone; it wasn’t easy, but these experiences always help you learn and improve – there’s always room for that.
“Coming here isn’t about revenge, but an opportunity to show what sort of player I am and help Fiorentina be the great team they are, as well as enjoying playing football.”
On conversation with Nico Paz
Mastantuono’s Fiorentina loan will inevitably be followed closely by Real Madrid.
The Argentine remains a talented young player, and a successful season in Serie A could significantly influence what happens when his loan spell ends.
He will also have the chance to experience Italian football alongside a growing number of young Argentine talents, including Nico Paz, who has made a major impression at Como.
Mastantuono was asked about his compatriot but refused to compare their respective careers.
“We haven’t spoken to Nico Paz, but we’ve played together for the national team. I’ve followed his career; he’s had a huge impact at Como.
“He’s a great person and a great player, but I don’t compare myself to anyone.
“I’m here to help the team and to achieve our objectives. I hope to have a good season.”
Now, the pressure will be on Mastantuono to deliver, but Fiorentina could offer him something Real Madrid could not guarantee: an opportunity to play and grow away from the spotlight.
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
