Jude Bellingham expressed his desire to "expand the number's legacy" after accepting Zinedine Zidane in the iconic white jersey No. 5. Photo: Real Madrid/Helios de la Rubia
Jude Bellingham's most eloquent statement about the grand opening of Real Madrid preceded the grand opening.
In adopting Zinedine Zidane's iconic white shirt in the No. 5 shirt, the 19-year-old stood loud and proud with a swaggering self-confidence that prompted Real Madrid to pay £115m and leave Premier League fans watching from afar with varying degrees of simmering envy.
Bellingham received one of the heaviest shirts in the Madrid catalog at his own request, drawing comparisons to the club legend and vowing to live up to the standards of the absolute Galactico.
«Perhaps I made myself uncomfortable position [taking this number],” Bellingham said.
“For me, this is a tribute. He was a great player — the best — and I want to continue the legacy of this number. I am very grateful. In an interview, I said that I admire Zinedine Zidane. But I'm not trying to be as good as him. I want to be Jude.»
Zidane wearing the #5 jersey on matchdays. Photo: AFP/Pierre-Philippe. Brand
Despite his tender years, such self-confidence is not surprising. Since his first flirtation with the superstar since moving from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund at the age of 17 and subsequent call-up to the England squad, Bellingham has successfully navigated the line between faith and arrogance. Here is a young man who is comfortable respecting his abilities as much as those who paved the way.
Real has already invested millions in English talent, from Steve McManaman to Michael Owen and Jonathan Woodgate. Their signing of David Beckham deserves more comparison to Bellingham given their respected status in the England squad at the time of their move.
But while there has always been a sense that the compatriots before him were decorative support for Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez's Galaxy project, Bellingham was presented as the backbone of the renaissance.
«Today, one of the best players in the world is moving to Real Madrid because he decided to join the most prestigious club in the world,” Perez said.
The opening had all the trappings one would expect from an outstanding Bernabéu debut: grandiosity, pomp and a club president consumed by conceit.
Typical Madrid. A typical example of modern football.
The video shows a career retrospective that was surprisingly impressive in its length given that Bellingham is still at the beginning of his professional journey, although the accompanying soundtrack seemed more appropriate to pay homage to the passing legend . .
The choreography screamed «Welcome to Superstar Jude.» It was almost reassuring to see how awkward Bellingham and his family looked at first, surrounded by an intimidating armada of mysteriously indifferent gray-haired old men in freshly pressed charcoal suits.
Even Bellingham arrived dressed as if invited to a funeral, refuting the the fact that he will receive around £70 million over the course of a six-year contract. #39; his enthusiasm and charm came out when he was given the opportunity to speak. Credit: Shutterstock/Rodrigo Jimenez
Indeed, the published photo of the signing of the contract bore a passing resemblance to a peace treaty between a progressive young leader and an aging dictator.
Fortunately, when the player was given a chance to speak, enthusiasm and charm overflowed. .
“I came here not only because of the size of the club. When the guys presented the vision of the team, I was completely for it,” Bellingham said.
“The ideas are so exciting that I could not refuse such an opportunity.
“England's respect for Real Madrid is very high. As you grow up, you appreciate what you had before. It's a great story, but I want to be one of those who completes it.
“Money doesn't matter. I don't think about money. I play the game for love. I like the feeling I got from the club. Once I made my decision, I wanted to do it quickly.
“I love the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone. It might have been easier to return to England, but I couldn't say no to Real Madrid. It seemed to me that this was the right step.
“When my father told me 12 or 15 months ago that he was interested in me, I got goosebumps and my heart almost stopped.”
Signing sends a message to Manchester City.
At different points, Manchester City, Liverpool, This summer, Manchester United and Chelsea dreamed of Bellingham becoming their trophy.
In an era when Premier League clubs don't bother with press conferences to to present their latest prize pool, Real Madrid masterfully turns such large player presentations into a global event.
Intentionally or not, the sight and sound of England's generation of talent explaining why La Liga giants remain the ultimate destination has sent a defiant signal to those who expect City to monopolize the Champions League like they have the Premier -league.< /p>
City have had a great season, but it gives us more energy,” said Bellingham.
“I joined the greatest club in the history of football. The best moment was in the Champions League trophy room, all 14 were looking at you. I can't wait to get my hands on it.»
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