Jude Bellingham says he snubbed ‘easy option’ of Premier League and ‘heart almost stopped’ over Real Madrid transfer
JUDE BELLINGHAM snubbed the “easy” option of coming home to England.
Real Madrid’s new £115million superstar was courted by Premier League heavyweights Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.
But Bellingham, 19, said his “heart was close to stopping” when told the Spanish giants wanted him.
He admitted: “I like to get out of my comfort zone and the easiest thing was to go back to England, but I couldn’t turn down Real Madrid.
“I’ve always been aware of interest from England. At the World Cup and at national team camps it’s hard.
“Everyone wanted me to go back home and play for their team.”
Midfielder Bellingham moved from Germans Borussia Dortmund for an initial £88.5m and will collect £70m in wages.
He was unveiled here in Madrid yesterday and added: “It was a bit of a surprise when my dad sat me down 12 or 15 months ago and told me there was interest from Real Madrid.
“When he said that I had goosebumps, my heart was close to stopping! It’s something you don’t expect growing up.
“We had a meeting at my house and that was the moment it was definite.
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“After I made my decision, I wanted it to happen very quickly. It wasn’t a case of other teams not being good but, for me, Madrid is the greatest.”