Prestianni fires back at River: "I'm happy in Europe right now"

A few months ago, River made moves to try to bring him back home. Today, Gianluca Prestianni is one of Benfica's standout players, and his answer completely changed the tone: he's not thinking about a return, at least not yet.

The winger, who came up through Velez's youth ranks, joined up with the Argentina national team, which is preparing for three friendlies, and there he was asked about the chance of one day wearing River's jersey. His answer was direct: "I'm happy in Europe right now."

You don't need to read between the lines to understand where the 20 year old's head is at. When River came calling, Prestianni wasn't yet a regular starter at Benfica. Now he is, and by a wide margin: he's become one of the Argentines with the best form in European soccer. That jump in level has also shifted his priorities.

I'm very young and I have to take advantage of the opportunity over there.Gianluca Prestianni

The quote sums up the moment pretty well: with Benfica competing at the top in Portugal and the European spotlight on him, a jump to an even bigger league looks closer than a return to Argentine soccer.

The door to River, left ajar for the future

Still, Prestianni didn't close the door entirely. Asked specifically about the chance of one day playing for River, he answered cautiously: "Later on, you never know what might happen."

The question also came up alongside a specific name: Nicolas Otamendi, his friend and former teammate, who now plays for River. That's when Prestianni loosened up a bit more and revealed the bond that connects them beyond their respective jerseys.

Obviously I watch him whenever I can. The other day I talked to him and told him I kept a jersey for myself. I'm really happy that he got to fulfill his dream of playing for River.Gianluca Prestianni

For now, Prestianni's present is in Portugal and with the national team, not at the Monumental. But at 20 years old with an entire career ahead of him, the jersey he "kept" for the day Otamendi debuted at River remains there, a sign that his story with the club from Nunez, though on pause, isn't entirely closed.