Franco Mastantuono Reflects on Challenging Season at Real Madrid Before Loan to Fiorentina
Real Madrid’s signing of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate last summer generated significant buzz, establishing the young Argentine as one of the most promising talents in South America. However, the transition to life in Madrid proved difficult for the winger, who struggled to find his footing in the first team under head coach Xabi Alonso.
In search of more regular playing time, Mastantuono has joined Fiorentina on loan for the new season after a challenging year with Real Madrid that saw him work under three different coaches: Xabi Alonso, Álvaro Arbeloa, and briefly, José Mourinho.
Mastantuono openly acknowledged the challenges faced during his time at Madrid, sharing his thoughts in a recent interview with DSports. “We all had a difficult season in Madrid. It wasn’t easy,” he stated. He emphasized that the experience, while tough, has contributed positively to his growth as a player. “These things always help you improve and learn. Fiorentina isn’t about revenge, but an opportunity to show the player I am and help Fiorentina become great again,” he explained.
The Argentine is determined to leverage his experiences at Madrid to foster his success in Italy, rather than viewing the move as an escape. Reflecting on the expectations of playing for a club like Real Madrid, Mastantuono stated, “There is pressure, but it is part of the sport. I like it. For me, it is a game as well as a job, of course.”
Moreover, he dismissed any suggestions that his departure from Real Madrid stemmed from a fractured relationship with the club. Earlier reports indicated that he sought a return to River Plate, a request that Real Madrid did not accommodate. Nevertheless, he characterized his exit as a positive experience, noting, “When I spoke with Real Madrid, it was a cordial and friendly conversation.”
Mastantuono added that his decision to leave was driven by the desire for regular playing time, thanking those who showed interest in him during this transition. His loan to Fiorentina marks a pivotal point in the young player’s career, leaving room for future possibilities with Real Madrid. As he embarks on this chapter in Italy, Mastantuono aims to turn the page on a challenging past and focus on a successful season ahead.
When Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate last summer, he was widely regarded as one of, if not the biggest, South American talents coming through.
Los Blancos fast-tracked him straight into the first team under Xabi Alonso, but the teenager struggled to adapt to life in Madrid.
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Mastantuono left on loan to Fiorentina in the summer in a bid to get regular game time away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Argentine winger experienced a turbulent campaign at Madrid, working under three different coaches: Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and, very briefly, Jose Mourinho.
A difficult season
Mastantuono had a torrential time at Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Speaking to DSports, Mastantuono admitted his year in Madrid had been challenging but believes the experience ultimately helped his development.
“We all had a difficult season in Madrid. It wasn’t easy,” Mastantuono said.
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“These things always help you improve and learn. Fiorentina isn’t about revenge, but an opportunity to show the player I am and help Fiorentina become great again,” he explained.
Rather than viewing this move to Italy as an opportunity to move away from Madrid, he seems keen on using the experience he gained there to succeed in Italy.
Mastantuono embraces the pressure
The Argentine also discussed the demands of representing Real Madrid, something he had already experienced in a different form while playing for River Plate.
“I had the privilege of playing for River and Real Madrid, incredible teams,” he said.
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“There is pressure, but it is part of the sport. I like it. For me, it is a game as well as a job, of course,” Mastantuono revealed.
That attitude perhaps explains why Mastantuono has gone searching for game time this season rather than staying at Madrid.
No bad blood over Real Madrid exit
Importantly, Mastantuono dismissed any suggestion that his departure from Real Madrid came following a breakdown in his relationship with the club.
Mastantuono is happy at Fiorentina. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Earlier in the summer, it had emerged that the Argentinian wanted to return to River Plate, which Los Blancos did not agree to.
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However, even if that situation actually transpired, it looks like it was sorted out amicably.
“When I spoke with Real Madrid, it was a cordial and friendly conversation,” he explained.
“I decided to leave the club. I had many options, and I thank everyone who showed interest,” he concluded.
Mastantuono’s departure puts a pause on a short and complicated chapter for a player who arrived with a lot of expectations.
The good thing for him is that he is only on loan at Fiorentina and could return to Madrid, where the book is still open.
The first chapter may have been difficult, but there is no necessity for the trend to continue through the rest of the chapters.
Mastantuono’s priority now is to have a good season at Fiorentina, and it remains to be seen whether he has a future in the Spanish capital in the coming seasons.
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