Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo, fondly called Tiri, has been a regular in the Indian Super League (ISL) for nearly a decade, playing for some of the league’s top clubs.
With over 100 appearances, he has been a vital cog in the defence for his team, winning two ISL titles – first with erstwhile ATK in 2016 and most recently with Mumbai City FC in the 2023-24 season.
Yet, for Tiri, who hails from Cadiz, Spain, the motivation to keep going is not rooted in trophies alone; it is the enduring inspiration from his family and the lessons of perseverance that have driven him to triumph in an illustrious career.
Playing to honour his parents’ sacrifices
“My first motivation has always been my family,” Tiri, the Mumbai City FC defender, told The Bridge. “My parents sacrificed a lot when I was little so that I could have football boots to play. I have two extra motivations – my son Martin and my daughter Mia, who is due soon!
For Tiri, every game is not just a professional commitment but a way to honour his parents’ sacrifices and inspire the next generation in his family.
This deep-rooted perseverance and dedication to his family have guided Tiri throughout his football journey. It has been the driving force and urges him to perform even in the face of adversity.
“I always try to give my 200 per cent, and I want my teammates to do the same. You cannot let pressure get to you, you have to play to win,” Tiri asserted.
Witnessing the evolution of Indian football
Having been part of the ISL nearly from the league’s early years, Tiri has witnessed the transformation of Indian football from close quarters.
“The quality of the players has evolved a lot, with the help of coaches who are and have been in India,” he said, adding that the growth in local talent has been especially noticeable. And Tiri has had the privilege of playing alongside some of the best Indian players.
“Sunil Chhetri has always impressed me,” he proclaimed, recalling his frequent encounters with India’s talismanic forward. “He is the one I have played against the most, always at a good level!”
But it is not just Chhetri who has caught Tiri’s attention. “Players like (Lallianzuala) Chhangte, Brandon (Fernandes), Liston ( Colaco), (Sandesh) Jhingan, Farukh (Choudhary), and Rahul (Bheke) – these players are the future of Indian football. I could tell you so many more,” he said.
For Tiri, the growth of these players is a testament to the growing elevation of Indian football, and he is proud to have contributed to the league’s development.
“There is more competition now, and the level of teams keeps getting better. Every season is harder than the last,” he observed.
Returning from injury
One of the defining moments in Tiri’s ISL journey came during the 2023-24 season when he helped Mumbai City FC lift the title.
This victory was special for Tiri, as he made a comeback from a serious injury. There were lingering doubts about his ability to return to top form and perform with the same elegance as he did before.
Tiri with ISL trophy (Photo credit: Tiri)
“Many doubted and many criticised my signing with Mumbai City FC,” said Tiri, who departed from Mohun Bagan Super Giant to join the Mumbai club. “But I was able to come back, and we won the cup at my former team’s home ground. It was a special moment, proving to myself and others that hard work pays off.”
Tiri’s determination to overcome challenges has been a constant throughout his career, and this moment with Mumbai City FC was a fitting reward for his resilience.
Learning from idols
Tiri’s defensive philosophy has been shaped by some of the greatest players to have played the game. Growing up, his first idol was Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos, but as his role evolved into a central defender, he looked up to two of Spain’s most iconic defenders.
Since I began playing as a central defender, Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos have been my idols. I have learned a lot from watching them, especially about leadership and hard work. Ramos, in particular, taught me the importance of staying focused and constantly improving,” said Tiri.
“In football, you always learn something new,” he emphasised. “Messi is the only one with pure talent; the rest of us have to work very hard, be consistent, and try to improve every day.”
‘We play to win’
As Tiri enters another ISL season with Mumbai City FC, he is fully aware of the challenges ahead.
But for him, every game is an opportunity to give his all, both for the team and the fans.
“I want to thank the fans for their support in every game,” he said, expressing his gratitude. “I know we have not started as we all would have liked, but we always play to win. Sometimes things go well, and sometimes they do not, but we always give our 100 per cent.”
Every match and every challenge is another chapter in the story Tiri continues to write with dedication, both for himself and those who look up to him.
“This season will be the most difficult of the last few years, but we know our goal, and we are going to fight to achieve it for ourselves and for all of you,” he professed.