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Real Madrid News 19-year-old Argentine starlet reflects on difficult Real Madrid spell: ‘It wasn’t easy’ When Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate last summer, he was widely regarded as one of, if not the biggest, South American talents coming through. Los Blancos fast-tracked him straight into the first team under Xabi Alonso, but the teenager struggled to adapt to life in Madrid. Mastantuono left on loan to Fiorentina in the summer in a bid to get regular game time away from the Santiago Bernabeu. The Argentine winger experienced a turbulent campaign at Madrid, working under three different coaches: Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and, very briefly, Jose Mourinho. A difficult season Speaking to DSports, Mastantuono admitted his year in Madrid had been challenging but believes the experience ultimately helped his development. “We all had a difficult season in Madrid. It wasn’t easy,” Mastantuono said. “These things always help you improve and learn. Fiorentina isn’t about revenge, but an opportunity to show the player I am and help Fiorentina become great again,” he explained. Rather than viewing this move to Italy as an opportunity to move away from Madrid, he seems keen on using the experience he gained there to succeed in Italy. Mastantuono embraces the pressure The Argentine also discussed the demands of representing Real Madrid, something he had already experienced in a different form while playing for River Plate. “I had the privilege of playing for River and Real Madrid, incredible teams,” he said. “There is pressure, but it is part of the sport. I like it. For me, it is a game as well as a job, of course,” Mastantuono revealed. That attitude perhaps explains why Mastantuono has gone searching for game time this season rather than staying at Madrid. No bad blood over Real Madrid exit Importantly, Mastantuono dismissed any suggestion that his departure from Real Madrid came following a breakdown in his relationship with the club. Earlier in the summer, it had emerged that the Argentinian wanted to return to River Plate, which Los Blancos did not agree to. However, even if that situation actually transpired, it looks like it was sorted out amicably. “When I spoke with Real Madrid, it was a cordial and friendly conversation,” he explained. “I decided to leave the club. I had many options, and I thank everyone who showed interest,” he concluded. Mastantuono’s departure puts a pause on a short and complicated chapter for a player who arrived with a lot of expectations. The good thing for him is that he is only on loan at Fiorentina and could return to Madrid, where the book is still open. The first chapter may have been difficult, but there is no necessity for the trend to continue through the rest of the chapters. Mastantuono’s priority now is to have a good season at Fiorentina, and it remains to be seen whether he has a future in the Spanish capital in the coming seasons. Real Madrid News Mourinho’s nickname for Real Madrid hero Carlos Espí after Espanyol impact Carlos Espi may have only recently arrived at Real Madrid, but the young striker has already made a telling impact at the club, and it appears Jose Mourinho has found a special way of describing his new protege. After Espi emerged as one of Real Madrid’s heroes in the match against Espanyol, Mourinho used his post-match press conference to explain the tactical thinking behind the youngster’s introduction. In doing so, the Real Madrid manager revealed the nickname he has already given the 1.94-metre forward: “El gigante” (the giant). It is a nickname that perfectly sums up Espi’s physical profile and the role Mourinho believes he can play for Real Madrid. The former Levante striker offers a very different option in attack, and his appearance against Espanyol showed exactly why the Portuguese coach sees value in having him available. Why Espi was introduced against Espanyol Speaking about the decision to bring Espi into the game, Mourinho pointed to the difficulties Kylian Mbappé was facing as Real Madrid searched for a breakthrough. Mbappe had begun dropping deeper in an attempt to collect possession and create individual situations, looking to take on defenders and unlock the opposition himself. Mourinho felt a more physical presence could change the dynamic and help stretch the Espanyol defence. Hence, Espi was brought on to provide precisely that. “Kylian (Mbappe), already at his wits’ end, was trying to drop back, get the ball and create a one-on-one situation, trying to beat one or two players. “I thought Carlos could be important there to pin the opponent in place. With Trent on the pitch, the quality of crosses improves massively too, and having ‘the giant’ there could also be a solution,” said the manager. Mourinho summed up that idea with his newly revealed nickname, referring to Espi simply as “the giant.” Espi shares a close bond with Mourinho The relationship between Mourinho and Espi has developed since the striker arrived at Real Madrid. The pair even live in the same residence complex in Valdebebas, creating an unusually close connection between the manager and his young forward despite the fact that they have known each other for only a relatively short period. That proximity has seemingly helped Mourinho understand the player’s personality and qualities quickly. Espi has also been able to learn closely from one of football’s most experienced managers as he begins the next stage of his career. Source: Mundo Deportivo