​SANTANDER, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 01: Carlos Espi of Real Madrid looks on before the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Real Racing Club de Santander and Real Madrid at Estadio El Sardinero on November 01, 2026 in Santander, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) | Getty Images Carlos Espí has revealed he had opportunities to move to the Premier League before Real Madrid’s interest settled his decision.Appearing in Cadena SER’s El Larguero, the striker said the transfer came together quickly.“There were options to go to the Premier League, but when Real Madrid came along, I couldn’t refuse,” Espí said. “It all happened very quickly; everything was finalized in two days.”Espí is now focused on earning opportunities under José Mourinho, whose attention to his development has made an impression. He praised the coach’s approachability and demands, particularly his willingness to explain what he is doing well and where he needs to improve.“You have to be patient. You have to take advantage of every minute and every opportunity,” he said when asked about Mourinho’s advice. “That’s achieved by working hard every day.”Training alongside Kylian Mbappé has also given Espí plenty to study. He described the Frenchman as the world’s best player and said he believed his teammate deserved the Ballon d’Or.“What surprises me most is how good he is, how fast he is, and that dribbling,” he said.Espí acknowledged that the changes in his life have been difficult to absorb, with events moving faster than he or his family expected.But his ambitions at Madrid are clear, even as he waits for more playing time. “I’ve come to Real Madrid to learn, improve, and continue growing,” he said. “I’m going to fight for Real Madrid.”