Izuchukwu OkosiReal Madrid formally unveiled 19-year-old English international midfielder Jude Bellingham at their training complex on Thursday evening.
The club declared Bellingham’s transfer on a six-year deal from Borussia Dortmund for a preliminary fee of 103 million euros on Wednesday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAdditionally, they confirmed he would inherit the ‘5’ shirt, once donned by Zinedine Zidane.
Bellingham who is to team up with the England squad for their two Euro 2024 qualifying games spoke to the media in a press conference before his introduction to the crowed.
“It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s the biggest club in history, not many have the opportunity to play here and I’m very grateful to those who have brought me here,” Bellingham told the press.
When questioned whether he believed English captain Harry Kane could transfer to Real Madrid this summer, Bellingham preferred not to speculate on the Tottenham forward’s potential actions.
However, he did convey his enthusiasm about collaborating with coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“I think he’s an incredible coach. It’s a good opportunity for me to be with one of the best in history. I’m delighted that he wants me on his team,” the midfielder remarked.
“I have a great responsibility. When you play at a professional level, you have to learn fast, although you are young. I know how important this is.”
Manchester United were also reportedly interested in a bid for the player.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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