Alexis Mac Allister expresses gratitude to Brighton as Argentine hero joins talkSPORT to discuss incredible journey and ‘crazy’ World Cup celebrations

Argentina hero Alexis Mac Allister has joined talkSPORT to discuss his country’s World Cup triumph when he returns to Brighton on Monday.

The Seagulls striker became a World Cup winner in December, playing a crucial role for the Albiceleste in Qatar.

Alongside Lionel Messi, Mac Allister was one of Argentina’s most important players and established himself as a global superstar.

His stunning performances on the biggest stage in the world inevitably raised questions about his future at Amex Stadium.

But after enjoying an extended break and being welcomed as a hero on his return to Brighton, Mac Allister has nothing but gratitude for the club.

“I had a lovely, warm welcome and I’m really happy to be here,” the 24-year-old told talkSPORT.

“I’m really grateful to the club for allowing me to enjoy the trophy and Christmas and New Years with my family and friends.”

He added: “Now everything is fine and everyone is happy. But at first it wasn’t easy when I came here to Brighton in my first year.

“I couldn’t get the minutes I wanted and that was a huge change for me. But I’m really grateful to the people who helped me to continue, to train and to improve.

“My staff, my teammates, my manager, my family, my friends – everyone. They know how grateful I am. It was a long and difficult journey, but now I am very happy and proud of myself.

While Tottenham’s Cristian Romero was sent back to action domestically, Mac Allister was given extra time off to enjoy the historic Christmas and New Year triumph.

Argentina’s public celebrations saw them parade the famous trophy past five million adoring fans in Buenos Aires.

However, Mac Allister reveals the nature of a mid-season World Cup meant private parties were tame.

When asked if there were any wild scenes behind closed doors, the Brighton striker replied: “Not really! We didn’t have enough time.

“We had the party with five million people in Buenos Aires – which was crazy.

“But then everyone went home. Maybe in March, when we meet again, we’ll do something.

“It was weird because it was mid-season and we were thinking about our clubs.

“But we had time to enjoy with our families – which was good.”