Jude Bellingham says joining Real Madrid is “a no-brainer” despite interest from a host of other elite clubs, including Manchester City. Against Manchester City in the round.
The midfielder joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund last summer following discussions with a number of clubs in a deal valued at £115m. Bellingham was asked how close he was to joining the Triple Crown.
“I had good conversations with clubs including Dortmund [about a new contract] My family were very happy to help me digest the information because it’s difficult to take it in and process it when you’re still in the season and still have to play at the weekend or in the Champions League,” he said. “I spoke to other teams but when Madrid came in it was really a no-brainer.
“The size of the club, the project, the plans for the future, the opportunity to play with such great players. I just jumped. That’s why I made my decision.
Bellingham enjoyed a stellar first season at Real Madrid and although his form has plateaued, with just three goals since January, he has already scored 20 goals.
When asked why, he pointed to an ankle injury suffered against Girona in early February.
“The injury ruined my rhythm,” he said. “I was in a bit of pain and finally got over it and played against Valencia [first game back] and was suspended [being sent off]. It affected my rhythm. Early in the season I knew what I was doing.But my role has changed in recent games [dropping into attacking midfield]maybe I lost that efficiency and I have to regain it and I’m happy to take criticism and I’m happy to do that.
At the weekend, Bellingham’s Real Madrid team-mate Aurelian Chumeni was allegedly racially abused by a Mallorca fan after scoring. Bellingham called on authorities to take real action.
Newsletter Promotion Post
“You’re angry for saying that, I don’t know, you’re used to it during the game,” he said. “It’s a big problem and more work needs to be done. It’s a terrible way for players to prepare for games [knowing this may occur]which is disgusting – people in the game need to do more.
“No one deserves it, so this is a call out to the people who run the game. I doubt that’s going to happen. You have to play your game and hope people look after you – they’re not doing that well enough at the moment.
