"I will give my life for Real Madrid" - New signing Mastantuono reveals on his 18th birthday

Franco Mastantuono had an unforgettable 18th birthday. This Thursday, the young star officially joined Real Madrid, although the signing had been confirmed since June 13th.

The celebrations began last night with a private birthday dinner at a Madrid restaurant with family and close friends. This morning, Mastantuono headed to Real Madrid City for his medical before signing his contract with Los Blancos.

Mastantuono will wear the number 30, the same number he wore at River Plate, who received €45 million for the player – the most expensive sale in Argentine football history. "I asked the president [Florentino Pérez] if I could wear this number," he revealed.

After the formalities, including a visit to the Real Madrid museum's famed Champions League trophy room, Mastantuono gave his first words as a Real Madrid player, drawing loud applause from those witnessing the historic moment.

Accompanied by Emilio Butragueño, former player and Real Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations, Mastantuono made his debut in front of the Spanish press, where he defined himself as a player…somewhat reluctantly.

"I'm an attacking player, left-footed, right-footed... I don't like to describe myself; I prefer others to do it. What's certain is that I will give my best."

The player said a conversation with Xabi Alonso was decisive in his decision-making: "I spoke with him, and it was very important. He gave me a lot of confidence to fulfill my dream." But the PSG manager also tried to sway his compatriot.

"Several clubs were interested, all my respect to them. I spoke to Luis Enrique, and he was very clear with me. I congratulate him on last night’s title," Mastantuono revealed, as reported by Abola.

Finally, the player declared that for him, "the best player of all time is Messi" and addressed the Argentine's impact in Catalonia: "Messi meant a lot to Barcelona, but Real Madrid is the biggest club. I've come here to make my own way and bring joy to the Real Madrid fans."