A few weeks before the World Cup and fresh off the end of the club season, David Trezeguet sits down with AS during a visit to Spain. At his side is former River Plate vicepresident Matías Patanian. Together, they’re leading River Plate’s new international push — an effort to turn one of South America’s most iconic clubs into a global powerhouse with a real footprint in Europe.

“How is River’s international project going?”

Very well. We’ve spent the last two weeks in Europe. We were in Paris and now in Madrid, presenting our plan — the result of 12 years of structural and sporting growth. River has around 350,000 members, and while 90% are in Argentina, we also have supporter groups in places like Málaga, Seville, and Barcelona.

Patanian jumps in: “We’ve sold out 100 straight games at the Monumental. Once we finish roofing the stadium, capacity will reach about 101,000 fans. AC/DC and Coldplay have played there, we’ve added more VIP boxes, and we signed a 10‑year deal with Live Nation.”

“You’re so devoted to River that you even played in the second division with them?”

River triggers something emotional. I’m a lifelong fan. The club was going through the toughest moment in its history. Almeyda called me, and I joined immediately. River is extreme passion. South America is nothing like Europe. What River gave me in just six months was incredible. The fans made me feel that. So when they later asked me to become an ambassador, it meant a lot.

“How is life as a former player working in management?”

I’ve always loved the sporting‑director side. I started in Argentina, and here in Spain I completed the RFEF’s sporting‑director course. As a former player, you’re always trying to improve. You need balance between the ex‑player and the executive. I believe in that connection. Scoring goals is easier than working in an office.

River’s international growth is remarkable. We’re the first South American club seriously developing its global brand. We went from 60,000 to 350,000 members. But look at this: Flamengo earns about $86 million in TV revenue; River earns around $6 million. That’s why we want to help Argentine soccer grow.

“You were born in France, but you’re Argentine...”

My father was a pro player. He moved to France in 1975 and stayed until 1979. In 1977 came a surprise — my birth. We stayed two more years, then returned to Argentina.

“And years later you returned to France — and made history”

Clubs knew my father had a son, and I caught their attention. I went for a trial at PSG. I just wanted my family with me. PSG wanted me to stay in the club residence, not with them. Monaco agreed to let my family stay. I’m very grateful. Adapting physically, learning the language — it was all important. I had a teacher who taught me French. We were a middle‑class family; we had what we needed. Everything happened naturally.

“Is it true you could have played for Real Madrid?”

Castilla contacted me. [Thierry] Henry, my teammate at Monaco — Madrid wanted him for the first team — and wanted me to come too. But then he ran into issues with his agents.

“And suddenly the French national team calls you?”

It was a bureaucratic thing. When I moved to France at 16, dual nationality wasn’t an option. I had to keep the French passport. I never imagined arriving as a nobody in 1995 and becoming a World Cup champion in 1998.

Something similar happened with Higuaín, though he chose to give up French nationality. I always had an emotional reflection: Batistuta was at Roma, Crespo at Lazio, and I was Serie A’s top scorer with Juventus. I’ll always wonder what I could’ve contributed to Argentina alongside them.

But with France, we became the first European nation to win back‑to‑back major tournaments. France adapted to me, and I adapted to France. Winning the World Cup and the Euros — that’s the peak.

“Why did you move to Juventus?”

I felt I needed a change. I chose Juventus. Ancelotti was there. Up front were Vieri and Inzaghi. I grew step by step. I ended up becoming the foreign player who stayed the longest at Juve and the top Argentine scorer in club history, surpassing Sivori.

I lived everything — even Calciopoli. I played with three Ballon d’Or winners: Zidane, Nedvěd, Cannavaro. And above all, my partnership with Del Piero — together we surpassed the best scoring duo in Juve’s history.

“You also lived through the toughest era of Italian soccer”

In 2006 we lost the World Cup final to Italy, and I missed a penalty. Add Calciopoli — we started the season with –15 points. They gave us the option to leave. Capello, Emerson, Cannavaro went to Madrid. Thuram and Zambrotta to Barça. Vieira and Ibra to Inter. We chose to stay. We were a group of friends. It wasn’t easy — it felt like a lost year — but we fought back. What stays with me most is the fans’ recognition.

“As someone who once left young, do you understand Mastantuono leaving River?”

How do you say no to Madrid? Or Barcelona? He’ll probably go out on loan. Nico Paz is a good example for him. River players are born, grow, and eventually leave — it’s their dream. Mastantuono signed with Madrid at 17, and PSG was also pushing hard. Once these kids start showing their talent, we can’t keep them. It happened with Echeverri. That’s why maintaining dialogue with European clubs is key. South American talent is raw and irresistible to Europe.

“How do you see the World Cup?”

It’ll be an emotional test. Among the favorites, France is the No. 1 candidate. Their players are at Europe’s top clubs and used to winning. The core remains, but new talents like Olise, Cherki, Barcola, and Doué have joined.

Argentina is the defending champion and has Messi, who will need careful management. It’ll be the last World Cup for Neymar, Cristiano, Messi… Spain looks great — they play freely. And then you have Brazil and Germany, who can never hide from their history.

“Do you fancy Spain’s chances?”

As a curiosity, there are no Real Madrid players. It’s pure talent. Lamine is one of the most anticipated players, and De la Fuente knows his squad well. Spain doesn’t hide from its goals, and that’s healthy.

“Are classic No. 9 strikers disappearing?”

Guardiola was the first to move away from a traditional striker — and now he’s brought it back with Haaland. That role is essential. I hope the classic No. 9 returns. I love that position — the one who finishes the work of his teammates. That’s what I felt as a player.

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