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Jude Bellingham names two Real Madrid teammates helping him learn Spanish language.
Jude Bellingham claims he ‘can’t wait to test out’ the foul Spanish words that his new Real Madrid teammates are teaching him.
The 20-year-old joined Real Madrid in a deal that might end up costing Borussia Dortmund £115 million if all performance-related add-ons and bonuses are met.
Bellingham is only the sixth Englishman to play for Real Madrid, following in the footsteps of Laurie Cunningham, Steve McManaman, David Beckham, Michael Owen, and Jonathan Woodgate, and has taken on the mantle of wearing the club’s number five shirt, made famous in the modern era by Zinedine Zidane.
Bellingham had never lived outside of his comfort zone before moving to Spain, but he is used to doing so. At the age of 17, he signed a £25 million contract to join Dortmund from Birmingham City, making him the most expensive player of his age.
After scoring 30 minutes into his DFB-Pokal debut against MSV Duisberg, Bellingham quickly set a club record for the DFB-Pokal’s youngest goal scorer. Over the following three years, Bellingham established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.
Bellingham acknowledges that he is still adjusting to his new surroundings despite being at probably the largest club in world football. However, with some assistance from his teammates, particularly when it comes to learning a new language, he is making progress.
“Lucas Vázquez and Brahim Díaz are probably my biggest Spanish teachers,” Bellingham told the club’s media channels. “Everyone’s chipping in and teaching me bad words. I can’t wait to try them out.”
Although he’s ‘feeling strong and fantastic’ so far, he continued that one of the main challenges of the transfer thus far has been getting used to the heat of training.
There was also time to acknowledge the skill of seasoned midfielder Toni Kroos, who will unquestionably be charged by manager Carlo Ancelotti with imparting his knowledge to a player who will certainly be the midfield’s linchpin for the team for years to come.
“Toni Kroos is a master. One thing I’ve noticed is his passing details,” Bellingham said of the German. “The ball just drops wherever he wants it to, all the time.
“Having watched Kroos from the outside, it’s a pleasure to watch him up close. It’s really good being able to receive the ball from him, showing him what I can do too, and see how our skills can match.”