River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo addressed the media at the Club World Cup on Tuesday, where the spotlight quickly turned to Franco Mastantuono. The teenage sensation officially signed with [Real Madrid](https://www.managingmadrid.com) earlier this summer, but remains with River Plate for the duration of the tournament and is eligible to play in their upcoming matches.
Gallardo made it clear that while Mastantuono’s transfer is a major story, his only concern right now is what happens on the pitch.
> “**Personally, I want to be very measured on that point. We’re focusing on the football aspect and nothing else. Things that have already happened are left behind,**” Gallardo said when asked about managing a player already bound for another club.
Despite the high-profile nature of Mastantuono’s move to the Santiago Bernabéu, Gallardo emphasized the maturity and focus of the young midfielder, who has continued to train and compete with intensity.
> “**The kid has a desire to play football; he shows his desire to play and express himself on the pitch. The rest, what we can’t handle, shouldn’t wear us down.**”
Gallardo was also clear about how Mastantuono’s status would factor into squad selection:
> “**I have a player in our squad who wants to play. If he’s fit, he’ll play, and if he’s not fit, he won’t. It’s very simple.**”