Thiago Pitarch asks Real Madrid for footage of memorable Kylian Mbappe training goal

Thiago Pitarch says he was “terrified” when he first trained with Real Madrid’s senior side, but the 19-year-old quickly gained an unforgettable memory after scoring from a Kylian Mbappe assist.

The midfielder was speaking at Spain Under-21s’ training camp in an interview carried by Marca. Pitarch made his first-team opportunity last season and is continuing his development with Real Madrid Castilla in Spain’s third tier.

“I was terrified in my first training session with Real Madrid,” he said.

“But I scored in that first session from a pass by Mbappe. I need to ask them for that video.”

Pitarch said he had not expected the promotion to the senior squad. He had just returned from Marbella with the reserve team when he was told to join the first-team session, where Xabi Alonso was present.

“I could not believe what was happening because I had never been called up to train with him before,” he said.

The midfielder also recalled making his Champions League debut against Benfica, another experience that caught him by surprise.

“I did not expect it,” said Pitarch. “I was nervous, but football makes me feel calm.”

‘Mourinho is close to everyone’

Pitarch also spoke positively about his relationship with Jose Mourinho, praising the manager’s approach to the squad.

“Mourinho is very close to everyone and jokes a lot, but he is also serious when the situation demands it,” he said.

“It is a great honour for a manager like him to say positive things about me.”

Pitarch has played only one minute for Real Madrid’s first team this season, although Mourinho has previously defended his status by insisting that he is a first-team player.

The teenager said playing for Real Madrid had been his ambition for as long as he could remember.

“I have always wanted to become a footballer at Real Madrid, the best club in the world,” he said. “That is the life I want to live, and I deal with everything very calmly.”

Pitarch joined Real Madrid in 2023 after beginning his development at Atletico de Madrid’s academy under Serbian coach Milenko Pantic. He later spent time in the youth systems of Getafe and Leganes.

“When the chance to join the club came at the age of 16, I did not hesitate for a second,” he said.

He acknowledged that adapting to life at Real Madrid was difficult at first, but said the experience had taught him a great deal. Pitarch also credited his parents for the support they had provided throughout his career, saying they had rarely missed one of his training sessions or matches.