Bellingham wore Zidane's old shirt.

Real Madrid in Spain have given the number 5 shirt, the same number worn by legendary Zinedine Zidane 20 years ago, to new signing Jude Bellingham.

Zidane wore the number 5 shirt at Real Madrid from 2001 to 2006. During this period, the former World Player of the Year helped Real Madrid win one La Liga title and one Champions League title.

"I greatly admire Zidane, his legacy at the club, and this shirt," Bellingham said at his Real Madrid unveiling on June 15th. "Hopefully, I can continue Zidane's legacy. This shirt inspires me."

Bellingham also thanked Jesus Vallejo, the center-back who wore the number 5 shirt last season and agreed to give it up to him.

Bellingham and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez at his unveiling ceremony on June 15th. Photo: Real Madrid — Bellingham and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez at his unveiling ceremony on June 15th. Photo: *Real Madrid*

According to Bellingham, Real Madrid is the best club in football history. When the opportunity arose, he quickly expressed his desire to his former club, Dortmund, and wanted the transfer to happen quickly.

Bellingham confirmed he has received interest from other clubs, particularly those in his home country of England. His England teammates all want Bellingham to return. "The easiest way is to return to England, but with Real, I have to take the opportunity," the 19-year-old midfielder said. "I want to step out of my comfort zone."

Bellingham admires Real Madrid's 14 European titles. He believes Real Madrid fans deserve the annual award. "Last season, Real Madrid didn't win La Liga or the Champions League. That's why I want to help as much as I can to help the club win those titles back," Bellingham added.

Bellingham also said he had spoken to coach Carlo Ancelotti, whom he considers one of the best coaches in history. The 19-year-old midfielder was delighted to learn that Ancelotti wanted to bring him to Real and prioritized the transfer.

Bellingham's England teammate, Harry Kane, is also on Real Madrid's radar – a team lacking a top-class striker after the departure of Karim Benzema. When asked about Kane, Bellingham replied: "He's the national team captain and a fantastic player. But as for what will happen, I shouldn't comment."

Bellingham joined Real Madrid for $110 million. This figure is equivalent to the record set by Real's purchase of Eden Hazard in 2019. Depending on performance, the Spanish club could pay Dortmund an additional $32 million. But Bellingham isn't overly concerned about the transfer fee. He just wants to focus on contributing to Real Madrid. "I'm not worried about the transfer fee," Bellingham said. "I'm a footballer, not a lawyer or an accountant."

Bellingham has signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid. The teenage midfielder rose to prominence while playing for English Championship side Birmingham City. In 2020, at the age of 17, he moved to Dortmund. In 132 appearances for the German club, Bellingham contributed 24 goals and 25 assists. He won the Bundesliga Player of the Year award last season, despite Dortmund finishing second.

Bellingham has played for England since 2020. The teenage midfielder has scored one goal and made 24 international appearances, reaching the Euro 2021 final and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Thanh Quy (according to MD )

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