MEETING JUDE BELLINGHAM: ONE ON ONE

Summary

In an interview at Real Madrid's training ground, Jude Bellingham reflects on his first season with the club, discussing his quick adaptation to Spanish culture, learning the language, and forming bonds with teammates. He expresses gratitude for playing alongside experienced players like Luka Modric and admiration for the club's legacy. Bellingham also shares his emotions after scoring in his first Champions League game and the significance of potentially winning the trophy in his debut season.

Takeaways

• 😊 Jude Bellingham considers Real Madrid a benchmark in football and is grateful to represent the club.
• 👕 Bellingham's father used to wear a Real Madrid Zinedine Zidane shirt, which became significant when Jude joined the club and now wears the same number.
• 🇪🇸 Jude is embracing Spanish culture and was already used to taking siestas before moving to Spain.
• 📚 He's learning Spanish and improving daily, but he’s not yet confident enough for an interview in Spanish.
• 🤝 Jude was pleasantly surprised at how quickly he settled into Real Madrid, building strong relationships with both younger and more experienced players.
• 👨‍🏫 He frequently speaks with veteran players like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, gaining invaluable wisdom from their experiences.
• 😌 Bellingham enjoys both the highs and the lows of football, believing that adversity strengthens him as a player.
• ⚽ Scoring in his first Champions League game for Real Madrid was a proud and confidence-boosting moment for Jude.
• 🏆 He dreams of winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, though he stays focused on taking it game by game.
• 🎯 Jude hopes to leave a lasting legacy at Real Madrid, inspiring future generations of players and fans, similar to how past legends inspired him.

Q & A

What did Jude Bellingham think of Real Madrid as a young footballer?

He always viewed Real Madrid as the benchmark in football and a level he aspired to reach. However, he didn't expect to join the club so quickly in his career.

Did Jude Bellingham have a Real Madrid shirt when he was younger?

Yes, he mentioned that his dad always wore a Real Madrid shirt with Zinedine Zidane's name and number on it. His dad later gifted him the shirt when he joined Real Madrid.

How has Jude adapted to the Spanish culture and way of life?

Jude mentioned that he was already used to taking siestas before moving to Spain. He appreciates the warm and affectionate nature of the Spanish people, who often greet him with hugs and kisses when he’s out in public.

How is Jude Bellingham progressing with learning Spanish?

He is getting better at speaking Spanish and practices it with teammates and when interacting with locals. He also takes a few lessons each week with a teacher but is not yet confident enough for an interview in Spanish.

What was Jude’s initial concern when joining Real Madrid?

He was concerned about how his new teammates would perceive him, especially as a young player from abroad. He wondered if they would see him as a good player and a nice person.

How did Jude's teammates make him feel welcome at Real Madrid?

His teammates accepted him and treated him like a younger brother. Over time, he became more comfortable and even started taking on more responsibility within the team.

What does Jude think about playing alongside experienced players like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos?

Jude finds it surreal to play alongside these legends, having watched them on TV during their Champions League wins. He values the wisdom and experience they bring, and sees it as an invaluable learning opportunity.

Why does Jude say he enjoys the lows as much as the highs of playing football?

Jude believes that facing adversity and tough moments helps him grow as a player and a person. He tries to embrace challenging times instead of retreating into his shell.

What was Jude Bellingham’s experience like scoring in his first Champions League game for Real Madrid?

Scoring in his first Champions League game was a significant moment for Jude. It helped him build confidence and gave him a boost as he prepared for subsequent games in the competition.

What does Jude hope to achieve during his time at Real Madrid?

In the long term, Jude hopes to leave a legacy at Real Madrid and become someone that future generations of fans can look up to, much like how he viewed the club's legends as a child.