Jude Bellingham feels like he’s been at Real Madrid “for years” after making a seamless start to his career in Spain.
The England international moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer from Borussia Dortmund and has excelled, scoring 18 goals in his first 26 games to establish himself as a fans’ favourite.
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The 20-year-old, whose performances for club and country saw him land the 2023 Golden Boy Award, is a key man for Madrid and will be in the starting line-up at Getafe tonight where a win will see Carlo Ancelotti’s men return to the top of La Liga.
Bellingham told Real Madrid TV: “I feel at home in the city. My family are comfortable. I’ve had friends over who’ve really enjoyed the city. The fans are really respectful, they treat me so nicely, which I’m really grateful for, and obviously with the team and the staff, I feel like I’ve been here for years.
“I’m really happy with the start. It’s just about maintaining it now over the course of one season, and many seasons to come, at this great club.”
Bellingham says he particularly enjoys playing at the revamped Bernabeu, adding: “You always know that Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world. But then it’s just different when you actually get to experience it.
“Especially at the Bernabeu, with the new set-up and how it looks and everything, it’s just unbelievable. It’s like playing at the Colosseum. You feel like a proper gladiator. It’s just so cool, you just don’t understand how big the club is.
“There isn’t anywhere you can go where people don’t recognise you. Sometimes it’s a good thing and sometimes it’s a bad thing.
“You just realise it’s that step up in class, in everything really. But also the flipside when you come into training every day, the players are always quite calm, the coach is really calm. It’s a good environment to work in, and express yourself and be creative with your football.”
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????️ Full interview ???? https://t.co/hZBylzJAyj pic.twitter.com/xAuZaBqwPi— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) February 1, 2024
Madrid are favourites to regain La Liga, despite Girona’s fine form, while they face RB Leipzig in the Champions League round of 16 later this month.
“We’re obviously out of the Copa [after losing to Atlético] which is unfortunate,” Bellingham said.
“But all in all, the thing that makes me most proud is the success of the team, and that I’ve been able to contribute to that. The team and players in the team are playing amazingly well, which helps me so much. It’s a team game and I’m just trying to play my role.”
