Franco Mastantuono reveals why Fiorentina was his choice after Real Madrid loan

Franco Mastantuono says joining Fiorentina on loan from Real Madrid is the ideal move for the next stage of his development, after Jose Mourinho advised that regular first-team football was the best option for the Argentina international.

Real Madrid paid €45m to sign Mastantuono from River Plate in 2025, attracting widespread attention with the move for one of Argentina’s most highly rated young players. However, limited opportunities to establish himself in the Real Madrid team led to the decision to send him out on loan.

A number of other clubs were interested in signing the midfielder temporarily, but Mastantuono chose Fiorentina despite the Italian club not competing in European competitions this season.

“I thought about Serie A, a competitive league that has always attracted me, as well as the importance of the club and the long history of Argentine players who have made history here,” Mastantuono told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Everyone I spoke to about the city of Florence praised it very highly too.”

Mastantuono said the absence of European football was not a decisive factor in his choice. Fiorentina’s squad includes experienced goalkeeper David de Gea, but the player recognised that the team is still developing after several additions.

“Now is not the time to talk about Europe. This is a strong team and we have experience with players such as David de Gea, as well as enthusiasm and desire,” he said.

“However, there are many new players and it will take time to find the right balance.”

The Argentine also identified Fiorentina manager Fabio Grosso as an important reason behind his decision to move to Florence.

“I also chose Fiorentina because of the coach. As soon as Fabio Grosso called me, I understood that his project was perfect for me,” Mastantuono said.

Mourinho, who knows Italian football well, also played a role in the transfer. Mastantuono said the Real Madrid manager gave him guidance before he had decided which club to join.

“He is a great coach and has tremendous energy. I had not chosen Florence when we spoke, but he gave me advice, and he and Real Madrid agreed that going out on loan to play regularly was the best option,” he said.

Mastantuono added that the opportunity to develop his game mattered more to him than playing in Europe this season.

“European competition was not decisive in my decision. I gave priority to ambition and opportunities,” he said. “Fiorentina focus on youth and quality, so it is the best place to express my style of football.”

The midfielder also discussed his admiration for Argentina captain Lionel Messi, with whom he has had the opportunity to play.

“Lionel Messi is the best, and I had the honour of playing alongside him, but it is also sad that he has retired from international football,” Mastantuono said.

He also named Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala among the players he admires, highlighting Dybala in particular because they play in the same position.

“I admire Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala, especially because Dybala plays in the same position as me, but it would be ridiculous to compare myself with players who have had exceptional careers,” he added.