Carlos Espi says he could not turn down Real Madrid after the Spanish club made an offer for him, despite having other opportunities to move to the Premier League.
The 21-year-old forward joined Real Madrid from Levante during the summer transfer window in a deal worth 25m euros. He said the transfer was completed within two days after the club made its interest known.
“Everything that has happened to me is unbelievable. Nobody expected it, not even my family,” Espi told Cadena SER’s El Larguero programme.
“Now I have to keep working. It is difficult to take it all in because everything is happening so quickly. You have to be ready because this is not going to stop.”
Explaining his decision to leave Levante, Espi said: “There were options to move to the Premier League, but when Real Madrid’s offer arrived, I could not say no. Everything happened very quickly and the whole deal was completed within two days.”
Espi has also spoken positively about working with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, highlighting the Portuguese’s communication and attention to his development.
“I will try to make the most of every minute the manager gives me,” he said. “What I like most about Mourinho is how outstanding he is, how easy he is to communicate with and how demanding he can be.
“His interest in me, and the fact that he tells me what is good and what is bad, is extremely important for me.”
Espi added that Mourinho had repeatedly urged him to remain patient and take advantage of his opportunities.
“Mourinho tells me that I have to be patient and make the most of every minute and every chance,” he said. “That comes through working every day. Every minute he gives me is worth its weight in gold.”
The forward also praised team-mate Kylian Mbappe and said he tries to learn from the France international during training.
“Kylian Mbappe is an incredible player. In every training session I try to learn from him and from his advice,” Espi said. “He is the best in the world and, in my opinion, deserved the Ballon d’Or.”
“What impresses me most is his ability, his speed and his skill when dribbling. It is an honour to train with him.”
Espi has made 11 appearances for Real Madrid this season, playing a total of 51 minutes. Seven of those matches have come in La Liga, accounting for 32 minutes, while he has played 19 minutes across four Champions League games.
Despite his limited playing time, he has scored three goals – one every 17 minutes.
Real Madrid have won all four of their Champions League matches and lead the competition with 12 points. They are second in La Liga on 30 points, three behind leaders Barcelona, having also beaten Barcelona at Camp Nou in El Clasico.
The club are seeking to mount a strong title challenge after losing the previous two editions of La Liga to their rivals.
