Jude Bellingham: I've been watching Luka Modric every day for three months since Real Madrid arrival

Oscar Sanders
1 October 2023

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham says he has been soaking up as much knowledge as possible from inspiration Luka Modric since his arrival in the Spanish capital.

Modric won the Ballon d'Or in 2018 for his heroics in leading Croatia to a World Cup final as well as leading Real Madrid to treble glory including the Champions League.

Bellingham, who regards Modric as one of his idols, has had a fantastic start to his Real Madrid career since arriving at the beginning of the season from Borussia Dortmund for €103 million on a six-year deal.

It looks to be a fine piece of business for the La Liga giants as their new recruit has netted seven times and provided two assists in just nine matches since joining Europe's most successful side in history.

The 20-year-old Birmingham-born playmaker scored and provided an assist in Real's 3-0 win over Girona on Saturday and the Englishman has attributed his fine beginning to life at the Bernabeu to Modric among other factors.

"I've been watching Modrić every day for three months. I just want to be creative," said the England international.

"It was an important win, they were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to LaLiga; three goals and a clean sheet against a team that was doing very well.

"I feel good with this team. I have freedom of movement, I'm really enjoying my football and being here. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do the best I can."

On his goal, Bellingham said modestly: "To be honest, it wasn't a very good finish. Maybe I could have scored another, but the most important thing is the win."

On his fantastic start to life in Madrid, the youngster said: "It's not bad. It's a good start, but the season is very long and I'd like to continue like this. I'm not always going to score or assist, but I'll try to do my best to have an impact on the game."