Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham arrived Turin Monday to receive the Golden Boy Award.
Bellingham will receive the award as the best U21 player in Europe from Italian newspaper Tuttosport. The 20-year-old, scorer of 15 goals in 17 games with Real Madrid this season, welcomed by hundreds of Italian fans at OGR.
Speaking ahead of the event the rising English praise Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti for his rapid development.
“I put in my efforts and a fierce commitment to excel at work, but the credit goes to Mr. Ancelotti who found the right position for me and gave me more freedom on the field. So now I’m flying on the field,” said Bellingham.
Bellingham also jokingly revealed that he’s been disappointing Ancelotti in one thing, and one thing only.
“I know I am disappointing you in one aspect… I still don’t speak Spanish. I’m sorry, but I’m encountering unexpected obstacles with this language. It’s difficult for me, I admit. Nevertheless, I promise maximum commitment, guaranteed,” he added.
The midfielder also thanked his teammates, the club and his family.
“I want to thank my teammates at Real Madrid and the entire squad, Mr. Ancelotti, the president, my family, my mother Denise, my father Mark, my younger brother Jobe, and the friends who have bombarded and pleasantly flooded me with congratulatory messages and continue to do so. Without all these people, without their help on and off the field, their constant support, and without ever forgetting the fans who support me, I wouldn’t have been able to win the Golden Boy,” he explained.
Bellingham concluded his interview by leaving the door open for a potential run after the Ballon D’Or.
“I am a person who loves to compete and is ambitious. So now that I have the prestigious Golden Boy in my hands, I want to continue growing rapidly. I hope this award will be a launching pad to win many other trophies,” he said.