Mastantuono: "Ever since I was old enough, I've been watching Real Madrid win the Champions League, that's what I remember"
"I'm going to give it everything to make sure the fans identify with me," he said, in his first press conference as a madridista.
Franco Mastantuono spoke to the media in the press room at Real Madrid City, following his unveiling as a new Real Madrid player. The Argentine, who was joined by the club's Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño, reflected: “I'm so happy. I always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid and for this to be happening, and on my birthday, is really a dream come true for me."
“I'm really grateful to the fans, they've shown me so much love since I arrived. When it was officially announced, I was still at River and my head was focused on where I was at the time. When I arrived in Madrid, my focus was entirely on this club, the biggest in the world."
Playing style
“I'm an attacking player, left-footed, but almost always drifting out to the right. I don't like to describe how I play, that's for other people to do. I'll give it my all to help the team, and to make sure the Real Madrid fans identify with me."
Xabi Alonso
“I'd already spoken to Xabi, he reached out to me. It was hugely important to me that the coach showed such confidence in me. It meant a lot to have him call me like that."
River Plate and Real Madrid
“My first dream as a footballer was to play for River, the greatest team in America, and I managed to do that. I wasn't fortunate enough to watch Di Stéfano, but my grandparents told me all about him. What he meant for football and for Real Madrid is unbelievable. It's amazing to go from River to the greatest club in the world."
Argentine dominance
“Messi meant a lot to Barcelona and to all the Argentines who watched him play. Real Madrid is the greatest club in the world and in history. I'm here to make my mark, and what I most want, is for the Real Madrid fans to be happy with what I can do on the pitch.”
Media exposure
“I'm handling myself calmly and honestly, as I always have. It's not about having to lie, I'm going to continue approaching it in just the same way. I understand the exposure a footballer has to deal with, especially at Real Madrid. I come from River Plate, where there's also a lot of pressure. I'll take it in my stride and speak honestly, as I always do.”
Memories of Real Madrid
“Ever since I was old enough, I've been watching Real Madrid win the Champions League, that's what I remember and it's just been unbelievable. I hope it can continue just the same as when I used to watch them on TV as a kid."
Enjoy all the Mastantuono videos on Real Madrid play
His birthday
“I never imagined I'd be spending my birthday like this."
A dream come true
“I'm living out a dream, to be experiencing joining a club like Real Madrid is something truly special."
His role models
“I've got so many role models, Real Madrid has incredible players year after year, the best in the world. It's wonderful to be at a club like Real Madrid with all the players who have been here, and the ones here now as well."
Meeting the team
“I bumped into Bellingham while I was having my medical, he gave me an amazing welcome. He's a player I really admire and I got the chance to chat to him a bit, I'm so grateful for that."
World Cup 2026
“I'm thinking about it already, I always try and think about what's coming up. Of course, it's my dream and my goal to play at the World Cup, and I'm going to fight to make it happen. But right now, I just want tomorrow to come around so I can start training with the team."
Waiting to join up with the team
“I was getting a bit anxious because I couldn't wait to get started with the team. But I've had an amazing few days in Madrid. I didn't know the city, but it's beautiful, and fortunately now we're here."
Calls or advice from his teammates
“I try not to spend too much time on my phone. Luckily for me, most of those closest to me are here with me now and I can talk to them. Of course, I've had some congratulations from former teammates and the guys from the national team."
Number 30
“I asked the president if I could wear the number 30, it's a very special number to me. It's the one I wore at River and I was keen to keep wearing it. Luckily, that was allowed."
A versatile player
“I'll play wherever the coach decides to put me, I'm here to help out in any way I can. I'm more used to playing on the right, or inside as well, but my intention is to help out, so I'll be happy with whatever the coach thinks is best in order for the team to perform as well as possible."
Other offers
“It's true that a number of teams showed an interest in me. I was lucky enough to speak to Luis Enrique, he was very honest with me and I thank him immensely for the interest. He's an amazing coach and I think he showed that this year."
Argentines at Real Madrid and the best player in the world
“I looked at all the Argentines who have played here, it's amazing to be following in their footsteps at Real Madrid. I had the chance to watch Di María, Higuaín…I tried to watch them very closely. For me, the best player in the world is Messi. I'm from Argentina, and I think he's the greatest player there is."
Switch to Europe
“I think I'm ready. I hope that's the case so I can help the team and these early stages won't be too hard for me. I want to adapt as quickly as possible and play."
Leaving tennis in favour of football
“I started playing football when I was 3 or 4 years old. I started with tennis when I was a bit older, but it was a sport that really helped me. It wasn't a difficult decision, River were looking to take me into their youth set-up. It was a dream, and my parents supported me in my choice to become a footballer."
European football
“In the Spanish league, I think the possession-based and tactical approach will help me. The hardest thing about European football is the pace, it's quicker here. I hope I can adapt well."
Dreams for the future
“My dream right now is to pull on this jersey, play and help the team however I can. I want to win loads of titles with this club and the Argentina national team."
His family's advice on joining Real Madrid
“Madrid is a huge club, I really admire the values it transmits and I will try and reflect them. My family were delighted when it was made official, it's a dream come true for me and I'm absolutely delighted."