Carlos Espi has described his move to Real Madrid and first appearance under Jose Mourinho as an “unexplainable” three-day whirlwind, after going from the brink of a transfer to the Premier League to making his debut for the Spanish club.
The young striker spoke to the media after Real Madrid’s friendly against Fiorentina, reflecting on a remarkable sequence of events which saw him complete his move, train with his new team-mates and play his first match within 72 hours.
“I feel like the happiest man in the world. They were three unexplainable days and I am extremely happy,” Espi told Marca.
“I have not even spent 72 hours in Madrid. I trained with my team-mates and played my first match, and I am very happy.”
Espi said he was initially stunned when Real Madrid contacted him, adding that Mourinho personally welcomed him at the club’s training ground.
“At first I was shocked and I could not believe it, but in the end it was real,” he said. “Mourinho did not call me, but he welcomed me himself, and I had not even spent a minute at the training ground.”
Asked what Mourinho told him before he entered the game, Espi said the manager had given him simple instructions.
“He asked me to be myself and to stay inside the penalty area because the match was complicated, and to give everything I had,” he said.
Espi said his immediate ambition was to make the most of every opportunity while helping the rest of the squad.
“This is a dream. I am here to help my team-mates, give my maximum and take advantage of every opportunity the manager gives me,” he added.
The forward has seen his parents since arriving in Madrid, although he has not yet met his friends or the rest of his family. He said he had been sending them photographs of his Real Madrid shirt while trying to process the speed of his transfer.
“I saw my parents, but I have not seen my friends or the rest of my family yet. I was extremely surprised and kept sending pictures of the shirt and everything. I am very happy,” Espi said.
He also revealed that keeping the transfer secret before it was confirmed had created considerable pressure.
“No, I did not tell anyone. It was a week of intense pressure because it is a dream and news that every player wants. Everyone was asking me and I could not say anything. It was a bit overwhelming, but I am very happy,” he said.
Espi said his targets were to earn playing time, win trophies and make his first appearance at Santiago Bernabeu.
“First, to get minutes, win titles, achieve victories in many matches and make my debut at Santiago Bernabeu – everything any player should do here,” he said.
The striker already knew fellow young player Juan Martinez, saying they had been friends since their time at Tabernes. He said the entire first-team squad had surprised him, naming Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, Federico Valverde and Alvaro Carreras among those who had made a strong impression.
Espi also rejected suggestions that the bandage he wears on his hand was inspired by former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
“I have worn it for three years because it has not brought me bad luck. It is simply about optimism,” he said.
He added that he had not set himself a specific goals target, preferring to repay the trust placed in him and contribute wherever possible.
“No, I do not set a specific number. I will give everything I have in return for the confidence they have shown in me and to help Real Madrid in any way,” Espi said.
The forward ended by discussing the prospect of sharing the attack with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
“They are among the best in the world. Seeing myself there alongside them is indescribable, unique, and I am extremely happy,” he said.
