Bellingham on joining Real: “Going to the PL? Easy, but no one can say no to Real…money doesn’t matter!”
England supernova midfielder Jude Bellingham couldn’t contain his emotions during his Real Madrid signing press conference.
Real announced on its official website on Friday (June 15) that Bellingham has officially become a Real player. Bellingham, who was only 20 years old in 2003 and is regarded as a world-class midfielder, signed a six-year contract with the club. He will wear the number 5 shirt worn by Real legend Zinedine Zidane, rather than the number 22.메이저사이트
Real paid his former club Borussia Dortmund a whopping €130 million ($143.7 million) in basic transfer fees to acquire Bellingham. An option was included for up to 30% of the transfer fee, depending on the performance of Bellingham and Real.
Bellingham, who officially became a Real player in a ceremony, was thrilled to be playing for one of the best clubs in the world at such a young age.
“Real Madrid is the biggest club in the history of football,” he said in an official club interview, “and not many players get to play for a club with such a bright and storied history.”
“About eight to 10 months ago, my dad told me, ‘Real asked about me,'” Bellingham said. “I wasn’t expecting it at all and it was an amazing feeling,” he recalls.
Bellingham wasn’t the only one excited about the Real offer. “My dad was crying,” Bellingham recalls. He doesn’t cry often, so I think this is a very special time for him.”
Bellingham thanked Jesús Vallejo for giving him the number five shirt, and said he was honored to wear the number of a Real legend and a piece of football history, Zidane.
The legendary French footballer wore the number five shirt for Real from 2001 to 2006, winning six trophies with the club, including the UEFA Champions League in the 2001/02 season.
After his retirement, Zidane left a lasting mark on Real and soccer history. During his tenure in charge of Real, Zidane led the club to an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-18).
“I have a lot of respect for the legacy Zidane has left at this club, so the number five is an inspirational number for me,” said Bellingham, who inherits Zidane’s playing shirt. “My number 22 will always be close to my heart and I’m delighted to wear the number five at Real.”
“A lot of my England teammates wanted me to come to the Premier League, it was an easy option to go and play somewhere I was quite comfortable,” he added, “but I don’t think anyone can turn down an offer from Real. Money is not important. This is the best club in the world.”
As the newest star in the Real midfield, it will be interesting to see what Bellingham can do for the club and its fans in the future.