By Pame Sun
Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid's promising young signing from River Plate, is brimming with excitement at the prospect of joining the Merengue squad. However, his current reality is a complex one, as the Argentine prodigy faces a storm of controversy and a cloud of uncertainty regarding his playing time in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup with his current club, River Plate.
As River Plate prepares to face Japan's Urawa Reds today, Mastantuono finds himself under immense scrutiny. Many River Plate fans are labeling him a "traitor" for signing with Real Madrid, viewing his imminent departure as an abandonment of the club that nurtured him from day one. This sentiment has led to widespread discussion about whether the young star is truly in the right frame of mind to participate fully in all Club World Cup matches.
The speculation surrounding his playing time prompted questions to River Plate's coach, Marcelo Gallardo, in a recent press conference. Gallardo, however, downplayed the drama, acknowledging that such situations are common when star players depart for bigger clubs, and that sometimes the timing or manner of the move doesn't sit well with fans.
"If Mastantuono plays? If he's well, he plays; if not, he doesn't. He's fine and has the support of his teammates. He's comfortable and doesn't seem bothered. We support him and stand by him, and as long as he's with us, if he feels good, he will play," Gallardo affirmed. He added, "It's very simple, it's not that difficult. The complicated part comes from outside. But in here, we're calm. There's not much drama to create... He wants to play football. He shows his desire to play and express himself on the field. What we cannot tolerate, it's better not to carry it."
Real Madrid fans worldwide will be eagerly tuning in today at 9:00 PM Spanish time, as there's a strong possibility that Mastantuono will feature in River Plate's opening Club World Cup match. There's a palpable eagerness to see the Argentine pearl in action, though it's important to remember he's not yet surrounded by a galaxy of stars, and he's under immense pressure due to the criticism from his own fanbase.
It's also crucial to remember that Mastantuono is still just a teenager, not yet 18 years old. Despite his youth, he has already demonstrated the quality, physicality, and mental fortitude required to play for a top-tier club, making him a compelling, albeit controversial, figure in this Club World Cup.
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