Jude Bellingham says his Real Madrid experience to date has been even better than he’d dreamed before he joined.
The England midfielder, who scored his team’s 94th minute winner against Union Berlin on Wednesday night, also said he’ll be happy if he keeps leaving it late to score for his team.
Bellingham said: ‘I’m not going to lie I would much rather score in 90 plus minutes than the 15th even if it might strain the heart and the fans’ hearts. It’s always good to score late because it usually decides the game.’
That was the story when he netted his sixth goal in six games scoring on his Champions League debut for Real Madrid.
'It’s even more special than I thought,’ he said when asked about the start he has made.
‘I get goosebumps just talking about it now. I’m just so grateful to be at this club. I talk about the staff and the players but there is the fans as well who as you arrive to the stadium are there in their thousands just to get a glimpse of the bus and then they are there before the warm-up.
'You don’t really understand how big this club is until you are here.
Real Madrid struggled to break down Union Berlin and were heading for only the second 0-0 in their European Cup history before Bellingham scored with almost the last kick.
‘We dominated the game,’ he said. ‘I don’t remember them having too many clear cut chances but they defended really well because they were so organized.
‘It was just that mentality that we have shown all season that even if there are set backs we just keep going until the end and I always believe there will be chances and it is just about being in the right position to take them.’
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti lauded the midfielder’s ability to be in the right place.
The Real Madrid manager said: ‘You have to be there to score, as he did (late) against Getafe. He’s the smartest player in the box when he arrives like that from the second line and he has the quality to finish.’
Asked about Madrid’s legendary capacity to never give in until the last kick, Bellingham said: ‘That’s the history of the club.
'I’m new to the club but I’ve had a television since I was little and ever since I can remember I’ve been watching Madrid complete comebacks when it seems there is no chance. And I think when you are around those players who have been part of those comebacks and never give up then it just rubs off on you.
'If you don’t have that then they sniff it out and it’s important that I keep learning from the guys. They are brilliant professionals and I have to keep on the path that I’m on.’