Jude Bellingham insists he has no regrets at snubbing Treble winners Manchester City and opting instead to join Real Madrid.
City wanted to sign Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund last summer, with boss Pep Guardiola ultimately unsuccessful in trying to persuade the 20-year-old to make the switch. Bellingham said it was a "no-brainer" to join Spanish giants Real - in a deal worth up to £115million - and said his decision had been vindicated by his successful debut season.
“I had good chats with clubs, including Dortmund,” said Bellingham, ahead of the quarter-final, second leg clash at the Etihad Stadium. "My family were great in helping me chew up that information, because it’s difficult, while you're still in the season, to take in the information and process it and still have to play at the weekend or in the Champions League.
“I had conversations with other teams, but when Madrid came in, it was a no-brainer really. The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players. I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”
Bellingham has thrived at Real, becoming a key player for Carlo Ancelotti's side, with 20 goals and 10 assists, helping Real to an eight-point lead at the top of La Liga, with the title in their sights. Against that backdrop, and with Real hoping to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Bellingham has no regrets at turning his back on the chance to play in the Premier League.
"I feel grateful every time in training and that feeling will never feel old,” said Bellingham, who was asked if he had surprised himself with how quickly he has adapted to life in Spain. “That’s just down to the team, the lads,” said Bellingham. “I can pick anything - the guys on a day to day basis, the football staff, manager, team-mates, fans, I’m just so grateful for how they’ve all received me.”
Bellingham reserved special praise for Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, for helping him take up a more advanced position, which has enabled him to score so many goals. “A sign of a good manager is that he makes you believe you're better than you were before,” said Bellingham.
"He gives me freedom to roam the pitch and he's a top person. He makes you feel comfortable. He's been amazing at helping me adapt and understand my own potential.
"It's my first time playing as a No.10. At Dortmund I was deeper and at Birmingham I was all over the place, so it's down to him I've had the start I've had at Madrid. My game is more than goals. I love scoring goals, but I can affect the game in different ways.
“I didn't expect to score so many goals, but now I'm here, I want to take on that responsibility. I'm on 20 goals now and will hopefully get more."
Bellingham may be supremely confident on the pitch, but admitted to anxiety at facing the world's media ahead of the eagerly awaited encounter. "I'm more nervous about this than the game,” said Bellingham. “These are the games you join Real Madrid for. I can't wait to get out and get playing."