Carlos Espi: Real Madrid striker ‘shocked’ by offer after dream debut

Carlos Espi says he felt “the happiest man in the world” after making his Real Madrid debut less than 72 hours after joining the club, having initially been stunned when he received their offer.

The new Real Madrid striker made his first appearance for the club in a 2-2 friendly draw with Fiorentina as both sides continued their preparations for the new season.

“It has been three incredible days and I am extremely happy,” Espi told Marca.

“I had not even been in Madrid for 72 hours. I trained with my team-mates and made my first appearance for the team, and I am immensely happy.”

The 20-year-old said he had struggled to believe Real Madrid were genuinely interested in signing him.

“When Real Madrid’s offer arrived, I was shocked at first and could not believe it,” he said. “But in the end it was real. Mourinho did not call me, but he welcomed me as soon as I arrived at the training ground.”

Espi added that Mourinho had given him clear instructions before his debut.

“Mourinho asked me to be myself, to stay inside the penalty area because the match was difficult, and to fight until the end,” he said.

The forward also outlined his ambitions at the club, beginning with earning regular opportunities before targeting trophies and a first appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“First I dream of getting playing time, then winning trophies, achieving victories and playing my first match at the Santiago Bernabeu everything every Real Madrid player hopes for,” he said.

Espi also explained the reason for the bandage he has worn on his hand during his debut.

“I have worn the bandage on my hand for three years because it has brought me luck,” he said. “It is simply a habit linked to sporting superstitions.”

The striker described playing alongside Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as an unforgettable experience.

“Playing alongside Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior is indescribable,” Espi said. “They are two of the best players in the world, and seeing myself next to them is a unique feeling that makes me extremely happy.”

Real Madrid announced Espi’s signing from Levante on Thursday.

He joined Levante’s youth set-up in the summer of 2022 and quickly established himself, helping the club win the league title before making his first-team debut in February 2024.

Espi played an important role in Levante’s promotion to La Liga, appearing in 36 Segunda Division matches and scoring six goals.

He continued to impress during his first La Liga campaign, scoring 11 goals in 25 appearances. That made him Levante’s top scorer, while he was also named La Liga’s player of the month for March and won the competition’s award for the best under-23 player at the end of the season.

The forward left Levante after making 66 appearances for the first team and scoring 20 goals. He has also represented Spain at under-19 and under-20 level.

Espi’s arrival became Real Madrid’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window. The club had also brought in Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva.