Carlos Espi sets Real Madrid targets after whirlwind move from Premier League brink

Carlos Espi says Jose Mourinho told him to “be himself” and stay inside the penalty area during his Real Madrid debut, just days after the young forward had appeared close to moving to the Premier League.

Espi completed his move to Real Madrid before making his first appearance under Mourinho, with the 48-hour period taking him from the verge of a move to England to wearing the Spanish club’s shirt and playing against Fiorentina in a friendly.

Speaking to the media after the match, Espi described the experience as a dream and said he was still trying to process the speed of events.

“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 added: “I have not even spent 72 hours in Madrid, I have trained with my team-mates and played my first match. I am very happy.”

The forward said he was initially unable to believe Real Madrid had contacted him, although Mourinho did not call him personally.

“At first I was shocked and did not believe it, but in the end it was true. Mourinho did not call me, but he welcomed me himself, and I had not even spent a minute in the training ground,” Espi said.

Mourinho’s instructions before Espi came on were straightforward.

“He asked me to be myself and to be inside the area because the match was complicated, and to give everything I had,” said Espi.

The young striker said his immediate priority was to contribute to the squad and make the most of every opportunity given to him by the manager.

“This is a dream. I am here to help my team-mates, give my maximum and take advantage of all the opportunities the manager gives me,” he said.

Espi has already met his parents since arriving in Madrid but has yet to see his friends or the rest of his family. He said the intensity of the move had left him unable to fully catch up with those close to him.

“I saw my parents, but I have not seen my friends or the rest of my family yet. I was very surprised and was sending pictures of the shirt and everything. I am very happy,” he said.

The transfer was kept secret while the deal was being completed, creating a difficult week for Espi as people around him sought confirmation.

“No, I did not tell anyone. It was a week of very intense pressure because it is a wish and news that every player wants. Everyone was asking me and I could not say anything. It was a little overwhelming, but I am very happy,” he said.

Espi’s ambitions include earning playing time, winning trophies and appearing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“First, to get minutes, win titles, achieve victories in many matches and make my debut at Santiago Bernabeu, and everything that any player should do here,” he said.

He also revealed that several younger players had helped him settle in. Espi already knew Juan Martinez, who is a friend from Tabernes, while he said the first-team players had all surprised him, naming Arda Guler, Diaz, Federico Valverde and Carreras.

Espi rejected the suggestion that the bandage he wears on his hand was intended to copy Karim Benzema.

“I have worn it for three years because it has not brought me bad luck. It is simply about optimism,” he said.

The forward does not have a fixed target for the number of goals he wants to score.

“No, I do not set a specific number. I will give everything I have in return for the confidence they give me, and to help Real Madrid in any way,” Espi said.

He finished by discussing the prospect of sharing an attack with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

“They are among the best in the world. Seeing myself there alongside them is indescribable and unique, and I am extremely happy,” he said.