Jude Bellingham has admitted his first season at Real Madrid has been “frustrating” due to recurring injuries and the mental toll of returning to full fitness.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League trip to Bayern Munich, the England international said: “It has been a frustrating season for me, due to injuries. Also mentally coming back from injuries is difficult.” He insisted Madrid cannot afford to let the campaign slip, stating: “We don’t want to reach May without fighting for any title. This is Real Madrid, this is the Champions League. It’s all or nothing.”
The midfielder also rejected recent rumours about his private life, including claims of frequent clubbing and heavy drinking. “People said I go clubbing all the time, I drink a lot… whatever, it was a joke, it’s not true,” Bellingham said. “There were a lot of rumours about my private life that simply were NOT true.” He called for full focus on Tuesday’s semi-final second leg in Munich, adding: “We must give everything in Munich. Tomorrow is a FINAL.”
On Germany international Jamal Musiala, Bellingham offered warm words, saying: “I want to see him play well. Let me say it hurt to see him not playing after his injury. I’m very happy to see him playing again.” Real Madrid trail Bayern on aggregate and need a strong away performance to keep their European hopes alive.