Demichelis Reveals Stunning Call to Sergio Ramos, Opens Up About Rising Star Mastantuono

Martín Demichelis, currently in Spain after his stint with Monterrey, gave a revealing interview to AS in which he shared two striking anecdotes about his time at River Plate. Most notably, he admitted that he personally called Sergio Ramos in mid-2024 to offer him a place at River after the veteran defender left Sevilla. “I called Sergio personally to bring him to River. He listened, gave it some thought, and later thanked me, but turned down the offer,” he said. “When I arrived at Monterrey, he was the first player I asked for. The board made an effort, and in the end, he acknowledged it and accepted the challenge.”

Demichelis praised Ramos's extraordinary physical and mental condition. “He’s a unique case, a lab study. At 39, he still has incredible physical attributes—strength, speed, intensity—but above all, it’s his competitive drive that sets him apart. His training ethic is admirable.”

He also spoke in depth about Franco Mastantuono, the 17-year-old prodigy he gave his debut to in 2024. Demichelis first heard about him in 2023 and sent a trusted staff member to scout him. “I was told the hype didn’t do him justice—he was even better. We brought him in, and I was immediately impressed,” he recalled. “What struck me most was his maturity. He handled physical demands better than older players and stood out in every session. His poise is extraordinary for someone so young.”

Demichelis was clear on the comparisons swirling around the youngster: “Franco shouldn’t be compared to anyone. Maradona was Maradona, Messi is Messi, and Franco will be Franco. He’s already proving to be a player of his time.”

At just 17, Mastantuono has become River’s youngest debutant, played with Argentina’s senior squad, and been transferred for €45 million. For Demichelis, he’s no longer a promise—he’s the present.