Franco Mastantuono, an Argentina international midfielder, opted to sign with Real Madrid instead of Manchester United or Paris Saint Germain. He is set to join from River Plate in August, upon turning 18. The decision was influenced heavily by Real Madrid's coach, Xabi Alonso, whose supportive treatment motivated Mastantuono. The young player expressed his excitement about beginning a new chapter in his career, viewing Real Madrid as the ultimate club for aspiring players, a sentiment shared by many in the football world.
United were seriously interested and Mastantuono did consider Old Trafford. I am told it was really between them, Paris Saint Germain and Real. But Real were always the one.
It has always been a dream. Everything changes, a new chapter begins in another country. Any player dreams of playing for River and Real Madrid. It's happening to me and I'm grateful.
The way [Xabi Alonso] treated me was unbelievable. Having the coach want you is a huge vote of confidence for someone who is leaving a club like River, which isn't easy.
[Real Madrid] is the biggest club in the world. It's the team that wins the most in Europe. Any player wants to play there.
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