Spain Real Madrid gave the number 5 shirt, the number worn by legend Zinedine Zidane 20 years ago, to new midfielder Jude Bellingham,
Zidane wore the number 5 shirt at Real from 2001 to 2006. During this period, the former world's best player helped Real win one La Liga and one Champions League.
"I have great admiration for Zidane, his legacy at the club and this shirt," Bellingham said at his Real unveiling on June 15. "Hopefully I can continue Zidane's legacy. This shirt inspires me."
Bellingham also thanked Jesus Vallejo, the centre-back who wore the number 5 shirt last season and agreed to give it up to him.
Bellingham and Real President Florentino Perez at the unveiling ceremony on the evening of June 15. Photo: Real Madrid
According to Bellingham, Real is the best club in football history. When he had the opportunity to join, he quickly expressed his desire to his old club Dortmund and wanted the transfer to happen quickly.
Bellingham confirmed that he has received interest from other clubs, especially his native England. His England teammates all want Bellingham to return. "The easiest way is to go back to England, but with Real, I have to take the opportunity," said the 19-year-old midfielder. "I want to get out of my comfort zone."
Bellingham admires Real's 14 European titles and believes Real fans deserve a trophy every year. "Last season, Real didn't win La Liga and the Champions League. That's why I want to help as much as I can to help the club win those trophies again," Bellingham added.
Bellingham also said he had spoken to coach Carlo Ancelotti, who he considers one of the best coaches in history. The 19-year-old midfielder was delighted to learn that Ancelotti wanted to bring him to Real and prioritized the transfer.
Bellingham's England team-mate Harry Kane is also on Real's radar - a team lacking a top-class striker following the departure of Karim Benzema. Asked about Kane, Bellingham replied: "He's the captain of the national team and a fantastic player. But what happens, I shouldn't comment."
Bellingham joined Real for $110 million. This figure is equivalent to the record of Real buying Eden Hazard in 2019. Depending on the performance, the Spanish club may have to pay Dortmund up to $32 million more. But Bellingham is not too concerned about the transfer fee. He just wants to focus on contributing to Real. "I don't worry about the transfer fee," Bellingham said. "I'm a football player, not a lawyer or an accountant."
Bellingham has signed a six-year contract with Real. The teenage midfielder first rose to prominence with English first-tier side Birmingham City. He moved to Dortmund in 2020, aged just 17. In 132 appearances for the German side, Bellingham has contributed 24 goals and 25 assists. He was named Bundesliga Player of the Year last season, despite Dortmund finishing second.
Bellingham has played for England since 2020. The teenage midfielder has one goal and 24 international caps, reaching the final of Euro 2021 and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
Thanh Quy (according to MD )
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