Carlos Espe chose Real Madrid over Premier League move after €25m transfer

Real Madrid forward Carlos Espe says he had no hesitation in turning down offers from the Premier League when the Spanish giants made their move for him from Levante last summer.

The 21-year-old joined Real Madrid in a deal worth €25m and said the transfer was completed within two days after the club’s approach.

“Everything that has happened to me is unbelievable. Nobody expected it, not even my family,” Espe told El Larguero on Cadena SER.

“Now I have to keep working. It is difficult to take in because everything is happening so quickly. You have to be ready because this will not stop.”

Espe revealed that he had other options in England but was unable to reject Real Madrid’s offer.

“There were possibilities of moving to the Premier League, but when Real Madrid’s offer arrived, I could not say no,” he said. “Everything happened very quickly and it was all completed within two days.”

The young forward has made 11 appearances for Real Madrid this season, totalling 51 minutes. Seven of those matches have come in La Liga, where he has played 32 minutes, while his four Champions League appearances have amounted to 19 minutes.

Despite his limited playing time, Espe has scored three goals – one every 17 minutes.

Espe praises Mourinho’s approach

Espe also spoke positively about his relationship with manager Jose Mourinho, highlighting the Portuguese coach’s communication and demanding standards.

“I will try to make the most of every minute the manager gives me,” he said. “What I like most about Mourinho is how excellent he is, how easy he is to communicate with and how demanding he is.

“His interest in me, and telling me what is good and what is bad, is extremely important to me.”

Mourinho has urged Espe to remain patient and make the most of every opportunity.

“He tells me that I have to be patient and use every minute and every chance,” Espe added. “That comes through working every day. Every minute he gives me is worth its weight in gold.”

The forward also identified team-mate Kylian Mbappe as a major influence 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,” Espe said. “He is the best in the world and, in my opinion, deserved the Ballon d’Or.”

He added: “What impresses me most is his ability, his speed and his skill at dribbling. It is an honour to train with him.”

Real Madrid have won all four of their Champions League matches and sit on 12 points. They are second in La Liga with 30 points, three behind leaders Barcelona.

The club also defeated Barcelona in the Clasico at Camp Nou as they seek to challenge strongly for the league title after losing the past two editions to their rivals.