Jude Bellingham admits Liverpool played unfortunate role in Real Madrid transfer

Jude Bellingham has admitted that Liverpool played a part in his decision to join Real Madrid this summer after strong links to a move to Anfield. The La Liga giants unveiled their new No 5 on Thursday after sealing a deal worth around £88million to sign him from Borussia Dortmund.

Bellingham has penned a six-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, becoming Florentino Perez’s latest Galactico. Across his three years at Dortmund after leaving his boyhood club Birmingham City for Germany in 2020, the 19-year-old has flourished into one of Europe’s elite midfielders.

And Bellingham snubbed Premier League interest from Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United to join Real Madrid.

Speaking to the media at his official presentation, he revealed that watching Real defeat Liverpool in the 2022 Champions League played a huge factor in his decision.

He told reporters: “I was at the final when Madrid beat Liverpool. That was a huge factor in my decision to join Real. I’m joining the greatest club in the world, and it’s not about money.”

Bellingham was all smiles in a friendly picture with Zinedine Zidane and his brother Jobe at the Stade de France. And the trio watched Real lift a record-extending 14th Champions League title after Vinicius Jr.’s winner sealed a 1-0 triumph against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Bellingham explained that Zinedine was behind why he chose to wear the No 5 shirt at Los Blancos. “I have said in many interviews how much I admire Zinedine Zidane. The legacy within the club and this number,” he said.

“I am not trying to be the same as him, I am just trying to be Jude, but it is definitely a bit of a homage to how great he was.