Soccer
River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo says Franco Mastantuono is ready to start at FIFA Club World Cup
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River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo has no concerns about starting teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono in the club's FIFA Club World Cup opener despite the noise around his impending move to Real Madrid.
The Argentine side begins their tournament against Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday evening, and all eyes will be on River's 17-year-old starlet, who will move to the Bernabeu ahead of next season.
Real have agreed a deal to sign the forward, having triggered his release clause and will join the club on 14 August - his 18th birthday.
The move has brought about a lot of attention on the teenager and pressure on his young shoulders, but Gallardo confirmed in his pre-match press conference that if he's available, then he'll play.
“I have a player here who is part of our squad. He wants to play. If he is fit, he will play, and if not, he won’t," he said.
"We support him, we accompany him and as long as he is with us, if he seems fit, he will play. It’s very simple, it’s not so problematic, not so complicated, not so complex.
"What is complex is what comes from outside. Inside here, we are simpler. There’s not much drama to make.”
Last month, Mastantuono made history by becoming the youngest-ever player to appear for the Argentine national team when he made his debut against Chile, aged 17 years and 296 days and Gallardo has nothing but praise for his star attraction.
Adding, "The kid has the desire to play football. He shows his eagerness to play and express himself on the field.”
River will continue their Group E campaign with games against Monterrey and Inter Milan in their pool.
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