Carlos Espi: I couldn't tell my friends I was signing with Real Madrid

26 minutes and two crucial goals. One against Espanyol, another against Elche. And it almost became three, as a matter of millimeters denied him an equalizer against Betis. Little time, great performance. The definition of landing on your feet. The definition of Carlos Espi. The "killer" that Madrid and Mourinho immediately thought of once Gonzalo's departure became imminent. It was an express transfer, just like his adaptation. He discussed all of this in an interview with "AS" newspaper.

- You were even considered for the senior Spanish national team. Was the call-up to the U21 squad an expected move, or were you just as surprised by the call?

I knew I had a chance, and the call-up to the U21 team motivates me a lot. I have a huge, huge desire to support and help the team in any way I can.

- You're joining a generation of players you know from lower age groups. With whom do you have the closest relationship? Who is your accomplice?

Oh, I'd say almost everyone. From the U19 team: Chema, Jacobo, Fer López... They helped me a lot, integrated me very well.

- Do you see this call-up as an opportunity to start knocking on the door of the senior team, or do you prefer not to look that far ahead?

Hopefully, but I'm here at my first camp with the U21 team, and I have a huge desire to give my best, to help the team. It's time to be prepared.

- Just a few weeks ago, you were at Levante, and now you're sharing a locker room with Mbappé, Vinicius, Bellingham, Courtois... Is there a moment when you think, "This can't be happening to me"?

The truth is, it sinks in when I go back to my hometown and see the reality. Training with the best in the world is a privilege, and I'm very happy about it.

- The transfer was lightning-fast. How do you remember those days when it seemed you were going to the Premier League, and suddenly...? Was it hard to keep it a secret? Even your friends didn't know...

It was very complicated (laughs). Imagine not being able to say you're signing with Real Madrid! Those were tough days because you want to tell everyone, but you have to respect what they ask of you. They told us it would happen soon, not to say anything... But I just wanted to tell my friends (laughs again). You wouldn't believe how many times they asked me if I was going to one team or another. But I couldn't say anything! And well, I'm very happy. And they are very happy for me.

- When you get a call from Madrid... do you even consider not signing?

(Smiles) Not really. As soon as Madrid was mentioned, it was clear to us that this was a big leap in my career, to grow, to improve every day. You do it in every training session, you learn new things. Every minute I play for Madrid is an extra motivation.

- Mourinho speaks very fondly of you and even said you have lunch together at Valdebebas. What is your relationship like off the field, and what does he demand from you?

With Mourinho's career, for him to welcome me like that from day one, to be so demanding of me... It makes me feel more comfortable, more secure, with more confidence. It's a privilege that Mourinho treats me this way.

- Courtois called you a "beast" and said you're a player the team hasn't had before. Do you find that nickname amusing? How do you feel when people talk about you like that?

(Smiles) For these players, with such level and experience, to speak about me like that... It motivates me, makes me believe in myself. It truly is a huge privilege.

- You're also compared to Joselu. Which aspects of his game would you like to incorporate, and how do you want Carlos Espi to be different?

He is who he is, and I am who I am. He made the most of his opportunities, and every time I step onto the field, I try to make the most of mine. I do what the coach says, I work in the best way for Real Madrid. He's also a reference striker, we're similar. But I focus on myself, on how I can help the team.

- How do you internally process the transition from being a leading figure at Levante to being a backup for a player of Mbappé's caliber?

I'm here to seize every opportunity. I want to improve, I want to grow. Training with people like Kylian, Jude... with everyone. It's incredible to see how competitive they are, how demanding they are. I'm learning and improving a lot. Every time I come into the game, I want to give my best and help.

- Who has surprised you the most in daily training?

Surprise... Kylian, Jude, Vini... Thibaut, who makes so many saves in training! (laughs). Everyone, absolutely everyone. They are the best in the world. You see it every day, their competitive mindset. They've won so many titles, and they still strive to be better every day. It's truly a privilege.

- And which teammate helped you integrate the most?

I'd say everyone... They welcomed me super, super well. Their closeness surprised me. Maybe Fede (Valverde), Brahim, Carreras, Dean (Huijsen)... Really, everyone was very kind and close to me.

- You also mentioned Mourinho and his closeness. But how does he articulate what he wants from you? Because he usually doesn't put you on the field in easy situations, but rather in critical ones.

First, he always tells me to give my best. Whether it's 5, 10, or 15 minutes. To give it my all. And to help Kylian, who is next to me, so we complement each other in attack. To be in the box, because at any moment the ball can come to me... And in this case, it happened twice, and (smiles) almost a third time.

- We're seeing a Madrid that's experiencing more difficulties than, for example, Barça. And you're coming in after that derby loss...

We need to be united and work in one direction every day, because the results will come. We need to keep looking forward, to believe in ourselves. There are many matches left.

- What does the coach focus on? Where does he see room for improvement?

To be ourselves, to do what we do best. Always give our maximum. That only together will things work out. And that's how it will be.

- You left Levante after 66 matches and 20 goals for the first team. What did you take from those years?

Family. The support we get from the fans. The family atmosphere in the locker room. I felt a little bad because I couldn't say goodbye. I saw some, but I haven't been able to see everyone yet. The coach, the staff... I haven't been able to see anyone yet, and I feel bad about that. We knew it was complicated and that the only option was to be united. We were a family and we acted together.

- The derby was the first major setback of the season. How does the team recover from that, how do they bounce back, and how do they look to the future?

You always want to win, especially in a derby at Atlético's stadium. It's tough, of course, but there are many matches left. We need to stick together, not give up, and I believe we'll overcome this. This break comes at a good time for us to recharge and look ahead.

- In the U21 squad, you're alongside Gonzalo, who's taken your spot in Madrid. Do you complement each other, or are you two 'number nines' who can't play together?

Gonzalo is a great guy. From day one, he's been wonderful to me, he's helped me a lot. As for whether we play together or separately, that's up to the coach. We're both there to give our best. If it's together, we'll complement each other. And whether one plays or the other, we'll be decisive factors. But I'm very happy, pleasantly surprised by what a good person he is.

- We're giving you a magic lamp and asking you to rub it, make a wish... and tell us three wishes.

To win many titles with Madrid, to reach the senior national team, which is a childhood dream, and (thinks)... in the short term, to have a good performance during the international break.