‘Zidane’s number 5’ Bellingham…”Zidane’s legacy, number and inspiration”

Jude Bellingham (20, Real Madrid) inherits the number 5 shirt from ‘Maestro’ Zinedine Zidane (51).

Real Madrid signed Jude Bellingham at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, on Friday (July 15). Spain’s As reported on Bellingham’s signing on Friday.

Bellingham, who left Borussia Dortmund for Real Madrid for 130 million euros (KRW 142.2 billion), will wear the number 5 shirt that Zinedine Zidane wore at Real.

The number 5 was previously worn by defender Jesus Vallejo, but Bellingham said he was able to get the number 5 concession after speaking with Vallejo.

According to reports, Real president Florentino Perez said, “Players measure success by being a Real Madrid player. We should be proud. One of the best players in the world has arrived. He could have gone to any team he wanted, but he chose Real Madrid,” he said, introducing Bellingham.

“I’m happy to come to the biggest team in history. Real is a team that not many people get to play for. I’m grateful to the people who made it possible for me to play for this team,” he said, adding, “Money was not an issue. I spoke with Dortmund and I was happy with the offer from Real, but there were other good offers as well. But I chose Real,” he said.

Bellingham also spoke about the number five shirt: 메이저놀이터 “Thank you to Vallejo. We had a conversation (about the number) and he didn’t mind. I really appreciate it. I love the number and the legacy Zidane has left with this team. It’s an inspirational number,” he said, adding that “22 was my number for a long time, but now it’s five.”

He added: “The shirt itself is a big responsibility. It probably puts a lot of pressure on me, but I’ve always looked up to Zidane and for me he’s always been the best. I hope I can continue the quality of this number.”

He mentioned veteran midfielders Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who he will be playing alongside. “It’s going to be a really valuable experience for my career. The way they play, the experience, the outlook…it’s good for me,” he said.

Bellingham continued, “I’ll be following them around for the first couple weeks. I hope they don’t mind. I’m looking forward to being around them.”