Jorge Brito spoke about the sale of Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid: "Whoever is angry, let them be angry with me."

River Plate president Jorge Brito spoke after the sale of Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid became official and said that during the transaction he tried to "preserve the player" and asked to be the focus of any possible fan anger.

"Whoever is angry about all this, all they have to do is get angry with me," said River's top official, who also said that the 17-year-old footballer was one of those who "pushed the hardest" to stay at the club until December."

"Mastantuono loves River and wants to return," Brito added.

He then stated that "from a football perspective, it's a tough blow, but one that River will overcome, as it always has."

This Friday, both clubs formalized the deal, the most expensive in the history of Argentine football, with a buyout clause of €45 million.

In a brief statement published on its website, the Argentine club explained that "on June 11, 2025, Franco Mastantuono exercised his release clause, in conjunction with Real Madrid, terminating his contract early." Thus, the player will join the Spanish club after the 2025 Club World Cup.

"The total amount of the transaction was €63.2 million, equivalent to USD 72.6 million, making it the largest transfer in the history of Argentine football. River Plate will receive a net €45 million (USD 51.7 million)," the Núñez-based club reported.

The rest, meanwhile, was distributed as follows:

• €11.8 million (USD 13.6 million): Spanish treasury.

• €1.4 million (USD1.6 million): Unionized Football Players.

• €0.9 million (USD1 million): AFA Structural Funds.

• €3.6 million (USD4.1 million): Decree 510/2023.

• €0.5 million (USD0.6 million): other fees.

At the end of the detail, River left a message for its 17-year-old footballer, who is in the United States to compete in the Club World Cup.

"Thank you, Franco, for your dedication and talent. It's a pride to watch you grow at the Club. We wish you the best in this new era following the Club World Cup," the text reads.