Carlos Espi reveals Mourinho’s first Real Madrid advice and explains his bandaged hand

Carlos Espi says he is “the happiest man in the world” after completing a remarkable 48-hour rise from being on the verge of moving to the Premier League to signing for Real Madrid and making his debut under manager Jose Mourinho.

The young striker spoke to the media after Real Madrid’s friendly against Fiorentina, reflecting on a dramatic few days in which he joined the Spanish giants and played his first match for the club.

“I feel like the happiest man in the world,” Espi said, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. “These have been three inexplicable days and I am extremely happy.”

Espi said he had barely had time to adjust to life in the Spanish capital before being involved with the first team.

“I haven’t even spent 72 hours in Madrid,” he said. “I have trained with my team-mates and played my first match, and I am very happy.”

The young forward admitted he was initially stunned when he learned that Real Madrid wanted to sign him.

“At first I was shocked and I couldn’t believe it, but in the end it was real,” he said. “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 he came on were straightforward.

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

The striker said his priority was to make the most of any opportunities given to him and help his new team-mates.

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

Espi has been able to see his parents since completing the move, although he has yet to meet his friends and the rest of his family.

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

He also revealed the pressure of keeping the transfer secret before it was announced.

“No, I didn’t tell anyone,” Espi said when asked whether he had informed anybody while he was not allowed to discuss the move. “It was a week of immense pressure because it is a dream and news that any player wants, and everyone kept asking me while I couldn’t say anything. It was a bit overwhelming, but I am very happy.”

Espi said his immediate ambitions were to earn playing time, win trophies and make his first appearance at Santiago Bernabeu.

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

The forward already knew some of the younger players at the club. Juan Martinez, whom Espi knows from Tavernes, is a friend, while the rest of the first-team squad made a strong impression on him.

“The young players have looked after me a lot,” Espi said. “I already knew Juan Martinez because we are friends from Tavernes, and all the first-team players surprised me: Arda Guler, Diaz, Valverde, Carreras and everyone.”

Espi also dismissed suggestions that the bandage he wears on his hand is intended to imitate former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

“I have worn it for three years because it has never brought me bad luck,” he said. “It is simply about optimism.”

He does not have a specific goals target for the season, saying his focus is on repaying the trust placed in him and contributing wherever possible.

“No, I don’t set a specific number,” Espi said. “I will give everything I have in return for the belief they have shown in me, and to help Real Madrid in any way I can.”

Espi ended by discussing the prospect of sharing the attack with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

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