JABAR EKSPRES – Jude Bellingham is set to wear the number 5 jersey at his new club Real Madrid, saying he wants to pay tribute to Zinedine Zidane by wearing the number.
Real Madrid officially introduced Jude Bellingham after signing him for 103 million euros (around Rp1.67 trillion) from Borussia Dortmund and signing a six-year contract.
While speaking with Madrid president Florentino Perez, Bellingham explained his reasons for using the jersey number. He said he did not want to imitate Zidane, but simply paid tribute to the French legend.
“I’ve said it many times in interviews that I admire Zinedine Zidane, the legacy he left with this number at Madrid — I just want to be Jude, but I want to pay tribute to how great he was,” Bellingham told a press conference quoted by AFP, quoted by Jabarekspres.com through Antara News, Thursday (15/6).
“Maybe I will extend the legacy of this number, and not reach his level (Zidane),” said the 19-year-old English midfielder.
Bellingham’s favorite number is actually 22 but has been worn by defender Antonio Rudiger at Real Madrid.
“Number 22 means a lot to me and in my heart it’s still number 22, but with number 5 behind my back.”
Bellingham said that he wants to learn from the other players at his new club, especially the two veteran midfielders Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
“The knowledge I will gain especially from the two senior midfielders, Modric and Kroos will be amazing,” he added.
“I will continue to be around them, trying to steal their knowledge. They will definitely be distracted by my presence.”
During the press conference, Bellingham also revealed his reasons for joining Real Madrid.
“It’s not about the money. I just decided to join the biggest club in the world, which is Real Madrid,” he said.
