“It’s true”

Franco Mastantuono has revealed that he turned down Paris Saint-Germain in order to make the move to Real Madrid, with the Argentina international’s switch to Bernabeu becoming official on Thursday.

The 18-year-old will wear the number 30 shirt for his new club, and he is expected to make an immediate impact for Xabi Alonso’s side despite the fact that he has no experience in European football.

Mastantuono’s future was the subject of much speculation earlier this year, with a number of clubs, including PSG, said to have made a strong attempt to sign him from River Plate.

The Argentine has confirmed that he had talks with the French and European champions, but he ultimately decided to make the move to Bernabeu to play for his “dream” club.

“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,” he said at his official unveiling.

“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.”

Mastantuono calls Real Madrid ‘the club of his dreams’

When quizzed on the PSG interest, he said: ““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.”

Mastantuono also commented on his playing style, as there have been contrasting views when it comes to where he could operate for Real Madrid, with the youngster showing his versatility in the forward areas at River.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“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 [Alfredo] Di Stefano, 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.”

⤴️ #WelcomeMastantuono ⤴️ pic.twitter.com/dsuyzDBUE9

— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) August 14, 2025

Will Mastantuono make Real Madrid debut against Osasuna?

Mastantuono is expected to go straight into the Real Madrid squad for Tuesday’s La Liga game against Osasuna, with the Argentine therefore in line to make his debut in that clash.

The teenager has arrived at Bernabeu off the back of scoring 10 goals and registering seven assists in 64 appearances for River in all competitions, while he has already made his debut for Argentina.

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