Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images for Laureus
Just a couple of days before Real Madrid’s big game against Bayern Munich, Jude Bellingham was interviewed by the media department of the UEFA Champions League.
The Englishman discussed Real Madrid’s heritage in the competition while thanking the Spanish giants for backing him at such a young age.
Jude Bellingham on Real Madrid move
“I have to thank Real Madrid for their interest. There are many talented players andI was honoured that they thought I had the right characteristics and personality to fit in,” Bellingham said.
“When they told me the project, they convinced me. I didn’t even have to think about it.”
“I enjoy being a Real Madrid player, in good and bad times, when you have to get up and try again. Everything that has to do with playing at the highest level in such a big club seems incredible to me,” the midfielder added.
Bellingham has been one of the rising stars in La Liga this season, emerging as Real Madrid’s top goalscorer. He has also shone with his leadership and maturity.
Talking about performing at Real Madrid, Bellingham said, “You have to enjoy the feeling of being in the trenches and think it’s not a good time but take responsibility and help the team out of those bad moments.”
“I’ve managed to do that this season and the team has managed to do it with other players stepping up and that’s why we’ve done so well. Games that looked like they were going to be draws or defeats and someone manages to turn things around. It’s a great feeling,” he added.
Bellingham went on to heap praise on Real Madrid as a club and the mentality it brings forth, even labelling Los Blancos at the pinnacle of club football.
“Real Madrid is always the highest you can aspire to in football. It’s always been the level I wanted to get to and could get to, but I didn’t think I would get there so fast,” he said.
“Now I’m here, I feel grateful every day to be able to represent this club. It’s a big part of my life now, it’s my life really. It has always been the goal for me,” he added.
Bellingham also pointed out the importance of respecting older players at Real Madrid, stating,
“At Real Madrid, you learn to recognize the legends of the past. The values and identity of the club are built on those legends who carried this badge so well before us. It’s important to carry on the legacy and values they put in place and that’s what I try to do.”
Jude Bellingam’s ambitions and goals at Real Madrid
When asked about Bellingham’s objectives, the midfielder only highlighted the team’s collective ambition.
“I only think about the collective goals. Everything else is all people talk about. I always think about the teammates I work with every day, who are there in the bad times and who you enjoy the good times with,” Bellingham said.
“I always think about how nice it would be to lift all those trophies together and reward the work everyone has done during the season,” he added.
Bellingham laid out his ambitions at Real Madrid – to win the Champions League and to reach another UCL semifinal.
“If we’re talking about a year from now, I would like to have a Champions League and be in another semifinal,” he said.
It must be noted that Real Madrid stand a chance to reach the UCL final on Wednesday as they take on Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinals.
Both clubs are coming on the back of a 2-2 draw in the first leg, meaning Real Madrid only require a win at home in order to seal a ticket to Wembley.
Jude Bellingham is likely to play a crucial role in that game. The youngster was even asked about his role in the squad, especially from a tactical perspective.
“My position? I think that’s the role that suits me best in this team. I think when I have the freedom to go up, go down, pass the last line and have the ball to play and create, I feel very good and I feel I can get involved in any action of the game and try to do my defensive job as well,” Bellingham said.
“Credit goes to the coach for giving me that license. It’s not easy to look at someone who has played in a lower position for so long at Dortmund and find something that makes you think I would do well playing a bit higher up. Honestly, all credit to him,” he added.
One would expect Bellingham to play in a similar position when Real Madrid take on Bayern on Wednesday. Whether or not the Englishman will be able to step up to the plate once again remains to be seen.
