Carlos Espi says he is “the happiest man in the world” after completing a remarkable move to Real Madrid and making his debut under manager Jose Mourinho within the space of just three days.
The young striker had been on the verge of moving to the Premier League before signing for the Spanish giants and appearing in a friendly against Fiorentina. Speaking to the media after the match, Espi described the events of the past week as almost impossible to comprehend.
“I feel like the happiest man in the world. They have been three impossible-to-explain days and I am extremely happy,” he said, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
Espi revealed that he had spent less than 72 hours in Madrid before training with his new team-mates and taking part in his first match.
“I have not even spent 72 hours in Madrid. I trained with my team-mates, played in my first match and I am very happy,” he said.
The young forward also recalled his reaction when he first learned that Real Madrid wanted to sign him.
“At first I was shocked and I could not believe it, but in the end it was real. Mourinho did not call me, but he welcomed me himself, and I had not even spent a minute at the training ground,” Espi said.
Mourinho’s instructions before Espi entered the game were straightforward.
“He asked me to be myself and to be inside the box because the match was complicated, and to give everything I had,” said Espi.
The striker added that he had joined Real Madrid with the intention of helping the squad and taking every opportunity offered to him by the manager.
“This is a dream. I am here to help my team-mates, give my maximum and make the most of every opportunity the coach gives me,” he said.
Espi has already seen his parents since completing the move, although he has not yet had the chance to meet his friends or the rest of his family.
“I saw my parents, but I have not seen my friends or the rest of my family yet. I was completely amazed and I was sending pictures of the shirt and everything. I am very happy,” he said.
The transfer was kept secret while negotiations were taking place, leaving Espi unable to respond to questions from those around him.
“No, I did not tell anyone. It was a week of intense pressure because it is a dream and news that any player would want, and everyone was asking me while I could not say anything. It was a little overwhelming, but I am very happy,” he said.
Espi said his immediate ambitions were to earn playing time, win trophies and make his first appearance at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu.
“First, to get minutes, win titles, achieve victories in many matches, make my debut at the Santiago Bernabeu and do everything that any player should do here,” he said.
He also spoke about the welcome he had received inside the dressing room. Espi already knew Juan Martinez, with the pair having been friends since their time at Tabernes, while the club’s younger players had offered him particular support.
“The young players take great care of me. I already knew Juan Martinez because we are friends from Tabernes, and all of the first-team players surprised me: Arda Guler, Diaz, Federico Valverde, Carreras, everyone,” he said.
Espi denied that the bandage he wears on his hand was intended to imitate former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. He explained that it had become part of his routine over a much longer period.
“I have been wearing it for three years because it has not brought me bad luck. It is simply about optimism,” he said.
The forward has not set himself a specific target for goals, instead focusing on repaying the faith shown in him and contributing wherever possible.
“No, I do not set a specific number. I will give everything I have in return for the confidence they have given me, and to help Real Madrid in any way,” Espi said.
He finished by discussing the prospect of sharing Real Madrid’s 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.
