19-year-old Argentine starlet reflects on difficult Real Madrid spell: ‘It wasn’t easy’

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.