The Argentine had his first press conference as a player for the Viola, recalled his time at the Merengue, and made it clear that he does not see his arrival in Italy as a revenge
Franco Mastantuono began to write a new chapter of his career in Italy. After his first appearances wearing the Fiorentina jersey, the Argentine had his first press conference as a player of the viola team on Thursday and took the opportunity to explain the reasons that led him to leave Real Madrid, analyze his time in Spain, and share what he expects from his new stage in the Serie A.
At 19 years old, the forward was clear when explaining why he chose Fiorentina among the various alternatives he had on the table. "I chose Fiorentina because they presented me with a very interesting, growing project, and I believe that for my career it was also important to come to this type of club. I am very happy with the decision I have made", he stated.
Despite not having established himself as he had hoped at the Merengue, Mastantuono emphasized that his departure from the Spanish club was on good terms and denied that there was any conflict behind his exit. "When I spoke with Real, it was a cordial and friendly conversation. I decided to leave the club, I had many options and I thank everyone who showed interest. But when I spoke with the Fiorentina and the coach, the project impressed me a lot and, therefore, I made the decision a week before the announcement", he explained.
The player who came from River also made a self-criticism about his experience in Madrid, although he avoided dramatizing what happened. "We had a complex season for everyone, it wasn't easy, but these things always help to learn and improve, there is always room for that", he maintained.
Mastantuono wants to grow as a player at Fiorentina
For this reason, Mastantuono rejected that his arrival in Italy has a sense of revenge. "Coming here is not a revenge, but an opportunity to show the player I am and help Fiorentina be the great team it is, in addition to being happy playing football", he assured.
The reception from the fans also played an important role in his first feelings on Italian soil. "I arrived in Florence and the people welcomed me very well, the arrival at the airport was very nice. I don't see it as a responsibility, but as a commitment also to my teammates, so that Fiorentina can return to the top", he pointed out.
Regarding his position, Mastantuono left open the possibility of adapting to the needs of the team and the coach. "For me, it's important to play well. I will be available to the team as always. In the offensive area of the field, I feel comfortable, but what matters is helping the team, so I will do what the coach asks me", he explained.
His arrival at Fiorentina also deepens the Argentine presence in the institution. He will share the squad with Mateo Pellegrino and will face Nico Paz, with whom he played in the Argentine National Team. About the Como player, Mastantuono highlighted his growth, although he distanced himself from any comparison. "We haven't spoken with Nico Paz, but we have played together in the National Team. I have followed his career, he has had a great impact at Como. He is a great person and a great player, but I don't compare myself to anyone. I am here to help the team and to achieve the goals we have. I hope to have a good season", he stated.
Mastantuono will seek to have more prominence in Fiorentina
In addition, the Argentine valued the history that connects Fiorentina with his country and referenced Gabriel Batistuta, one of the institution's greatest idols. The forward also mentioned that before accepting the proposal, he consulted with Lucas Martínez Quarta and Nicolás González about his possible arrival at the club.
With his incorporation, Mastantuono became the 43rd Albiceleste to wear the Fiorentina jersey. The list includes, in addition to Batistuta, figures like Daniel Bertoni, Daniel Passarella, Ramón Díaz, and Abel Balbo. Now, the former River player will seek to build his own story in Florence.
Mastantuono's numbers at Real Madrid
Since his arrival at the White House in mid-last year, the native of Azul played 1,484 minutes, distributed over 35 matches, in which he scored 3 goals, provided 1 assist, and received 5 yellow cards and 1 direct red card.
