Real Madrid loanee hits out at criticism after Argentina display: ‘Many times they are tough on me’

Real Madrid loanee hits out at criticism after Argentina display: ‘Many times they are tough on me’ Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate last summer amid huge anticipation about the player he could become. However, after a bright start to the season, he faded and struggled to get regular minutes under Alvaro Arbeloa. The Argentine youngster moved on loan to Fiorentina in the summer, where he has settled in rather well. Mastantuono has opened up about the criticism surrounding him after producing a memorable moment for Argentina. Franco Mastantuono has made an impressive start at Fiorentina. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) The Madrid loanee scored his first senior goal in the 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso. Mastantuono responds to criticism As quoted by AS , Mastantuono addressed the expectations surrounding him in an interview with TyC Sports after the match. “People are very demanding with me. I understand it, I understand what is expected of me,” Mastantuono said. “Many times they are tough on me, but I try to enjoy it.” The Argentine was also careful to make clear that he accepts criticism as part of being a professional footballer. “I’m not complaining about the criticism. I’m a football player and I understand it,” he explained. “But people talk about things that don’t depend on me. I just do my job and always try to do it well.” A significant moment for the Madrid loanee Scoring his first senior Argentina goal should provide Mastantuono with a welcome confidence boost. His development remains important to Real Madrid , even while he continues his career away from the Bernabeu. Mastantuono could have a future at the Santiago Bernabeu. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) He is widely regarded as one of the biggest South American talents around, and Los Blancos retain complete control over his future. Mastantuono, though, insists he does not want external expectations dictating how he approaches football. “I know there are a lot of expectations and I love it, but I play for my team and for myself, not for those expectations,” he concluded. An important season for Mastantuono It is not always easy for a South American player to arrive in Europe as a youngster and hit the ground running straight away. Many such talented starlets do not even make it past six months, but Mastantuono has managed to navigate the difficult phase. He now plays in Serie A, where he is being given regular minutes, and this should benefit him in the long run. Mastantuono cannot control every conversation that happens around his career. What he can control, though, are his performances. His display against Burkina Faso was a step in the right direction, and it remains to be seen how he fares in the coming weeks.