Jude Bellingham has set numerous records for Real Madrid, but he admits to “disappointing” manager Carlo Ancelotti in one area.
The England international midfielder has made a stunning impact in Spanish football following his €103 million (£88m/$112m) move to Santiago Bernabeu from Borussia Dortmund. The talented 20-year-old, who has won the prestigious Golden Boy award for 2023, has netted 15 goals in 17 appearances this season, allowing him to surpass Blancos legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s exploits.
Bellingham has told Tuttosport of how Ancelotti is bringing the best out of him, while demanding even more on and off the pitch: “I’ve had a ferocious commitment to improving myself with hard work, but the credit goes to coach Ancelotti who has found the right position for me, giving me more freedom, so I’m flying now. However, I know I am disappointing him in one aspect.”
Asked to reveal what that aspect is, Bellingham added: “I still don’t speak Spanish. I am sorry but I am finding obstacles I didn’t expect with this language. I admit it’s difficult for me, but I promise maximum commitment.”
Bellingham, who also landed the Kopa Trophy at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, added on following in the footsteps of boyhood idol Wayne Rooney as the recipient of an award that recognises the best young talent on the planet: “It’s fantastic, it’s an extraordinary result. I am glad of it and I thank all the jurors who voted for me. I am the third English player to win this award after Wayne Rooney, one of my idols, in 2005 when he was at Manchester United and Raheem Sterling in 2014 when he was playing for Liverpool.”
Bellingham has been nursing a shoulder injury of late, which Real are having to manage ahead of potential surgery, and he will be hoping to avoid any further setbacks heading towards what promises to be a big 2024 for him with club and country.
