Carlos Espi, Real Madrid player
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Carlos Espi has made an immediate impression at Real Madrid, and the young striker appears to have earned significant support inside the club just months after leaving Levante.
Hector Rodas, Levante’s sporting director, has offered fresh insight into Espi’s move to the Santiago Bernabeu and his early months in Madrid.
Speaking on El Partit de la Una, in comments reported by Bernabeu Digital, Rodas revealed that Real Madrid’s interest was driven from high within the club before the transfer was completed.
Real Madrid made direct approach for Espi
Rodas explained that the initial approach came directly from Real Madrid chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez, who contacted Levante president Pepe.
“Jose Angel Sanchez called Pepe directly,” Rodas said, while also confirming that members of Real Madrid’s coaching staff had previously made enquiries about the striker.
The move eventually took Espi from Levante to Real Madrid during the summer, giving the youngster the opportunity to step into an entirely different environment.
Carlos Espi, Real Madrid player
Carlos Espi’s Real Madrid move was backed by Mourinho and Florentino Perez. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
His transition has been remarkably quick, as Espi has become an important part of Real Madrid’s plans this season and has already been given opportunities with the first team.
Espi’s character helping him settle at Madrid
The move represents a major change for Espi away from football as well as on the pitch.
Rodas acknowledged the scale of the adjustment facing the striker but believes his personality will help him deal with the attention and expectations that come with playing for Real Madrid.
The former Levante player has also received a positive welcome inside the Madrid dressing room, something that can be crucial for a young player attempting to establish himself among experienced stars.
“Has won over the dressing room in a short time,” the Levante sporting director explained.
Mourinho and Florentino Perez already impressed by Espi
Carlos Espi, Real Madrid player
Carlos Espi has scored two match-winning goals for Real Madrid. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
Rodas’ most striking comments, however, concerned the level of backing Espi has apparently earned beyond the dressing room.
The Levante director revealed that the striker has also gained the approval of Jose Mourinho and went even further when describing the reaction from the club hierarchy.
“He’s also won over Florentino,” he noted.
That is significant recognition for a player who has only been at Real Madrid for a few months.
Certainly, Espi still has plenty to prove, but his adaptation has already placed him in a strong position.
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric opens up on potential return to the club: ‘Would love to be useful’
Luka Modric of Croatia
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos were Real Madrid’s two midfield pillars for a long time, and the club has failed to replace the duo, even in part, to date.
The void in midfield, at this point, appears gaping, and it is staggering what a massive role the duo used to play for Real Madrid.
Of them, Modric’s heroics are even further underrated given the age until which he continued to inspire Real Madrid’s dressing room.
It is clear that replacing him is close to impossible, but the administration has a role in mind for the legend if he is open to returning to the club in an administrative capacity.
Modric speaks on a Real Madrid return
Casemiro, former Real Madrid player
Modric was the heart of Real Madrid’s midfield. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images )
Speaking to El Larguero in a recent interview, Real Madrid legend Luka Modric was asked if he indeed contemplated a return home in some capacity in the future.
“Real Madrid is my home. I spent 13 years there. I’d love to be useful and help however I can, but I have to prepare myself and see what role I could have and whether the club wants it,” he began.
“Returning would be a dream,” Modric added.
The player also gave his honest verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation with Portugal, which has left a sour taste at the very end of the legend’s career.
“It’s a shame this is happening. Cristiano deserves a solution, whether that means continuing or a proper farewell. He deserves a big farewell.”
“He’s Portugal’s greatest player.”
Modric speaks on retirement
The Croatian superstar was then asked about Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football, marking the end of the career of another great of his generation.
The end of the era is not far. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
“It’s a shame, but it’s his decision and it has to be respected.”
“He won the World Cup he wanted and did something incredible. It’s been a pleasure watching him.”
The veteran was then asked about his personal stance on retirement and whether it was a thought that crossed his mind.
“We’ll see. I still have the passion, ambition and strength.”
“While I have that, I want to keep playing. I’ll listen to my body and make the decision with total calmness,” he concluded.