Real Madrid have unveiled Franco Mastantuono on the day the Argentine prodigy celebrated his 18th birthday, with the teenager revealing it was a phone call from manager Xabi Alonso that convinced him to join Los Blancos.
Madrid beat the likes of European champions PSG to the River Plate forward signature in June, but the starlet – who the youngest player to play a competitive match for Argentina – had to wait until he turned 18 before he could officially join the LaLiga club.
Mastantuono has penned six-year contract at the Bernabeu after the Spanish giants agreed to meet the player’s €45m release clause in a deal that could see the total fee rise to more than €63m.
“It’s a dream come true as a footballer and as a person, to join a club like Real Madrid, the biggest in the world,” Mastantuono said at his unveiling at Madrid’s training complex.
“I promise I will give my life to this jersey, it’s the dream I have always had.”
Real’s new number 30 also revealed that he had previously spoken with PSG boss Luis Enrique, but it was his conversation with Alonso that convinced Mastantuono to head to Spain.
“[Alonso] contacted me. It was very important for me that the coach showed that confidence in me,” Mastantuono said.
“Obviously it was a private conversation, but it influenced me a lot. It gave me a lot of confidence, and the way he did it, it meant a lot.
“It’s true that various teams took an interest in me, I appreciate it a lot.
“I was lucky to talk to Luis Enrique. He was very clear with me, I appreciate it and congratulate him for the win [in the UEFA Super Cup] last night. He’s a great coach, all my respect and appreciation for him.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hailed Mastantuono’s unveiling as a “great day” and believes the player to be one of the most exciting talents in world football.
Perez said: “Today is another of those great days, full of emotion for all of us who feel a passion for Real Madrid, because today, one of the greatest footballing talents to emerge in recent years is joining our club.
“Today, we are welcoming Franco Mastantuono.”
Madrid begin their La Liga campaign when they host Osasuna on Tuesday 19 August.
