When notified Real Madrid wanted to sign England midfielder Jude Bellingham, he said he got “goosebumps” and his “heart was close to stopping.”

Bellingham, 19, joins the Spanish club from Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of 103 million euros (£88.5 million).

With add-ons, the cost might reach 133.9 million euros (£115 million).

“I’d always been aware of the interest from England, so that was pretty normal,” Bellingham remarked at his Real Madrid introduction.

“I was surprised when my father sat me down and said, ‘You’ve had some interest from Real Madrid.'”

“I believe that was about 12-15 months ago.” My heart almost stopped when he said I had goosebumps. Being able to play for a squad like this is something you don’t expect when you’re a kid.”

Why Bellingham’s transfer to Real Madrid makes’perfect sense’
Bellingham has signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid.
From humble beginnings to thriving on football’s biggest platforms, Dortmund made Bellingham the most expensive 17-year-old in football when they signed him from Birmingham City for £25 million in 2020, and his performances for the German club reinforced his reputation.

At the age of 19, he became Dortmund’s youngest captain and was voted Bundesliga player of the season the previous season.

Bellingham was linked with moves to Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United before deciding to join Real Madrid.

He described joining “the greatest football club in the history of the game” as the “proudest day of my life” at his presentation.

“Money isn’t a thing for me,” he added. When I make these kinds of judgments, I don’t consider money at all. I never have and never will – I play the game just for the love of it.

“I spoke to the people after Borussia Dortmund granted me permission.” I really liked the vibe of the club. I couldn’t keep it a secret.

“I told them pretty much right away how I felt about the club, and once I made my decision, I wanted it to happen quickly.”

“It wasn’t a case of other teams being bad or good, but Madrid is the best in my opinion.”

Real Madrid did not win the Champions League last season, exiting in the semi-finals, nor La Liga, with rival Barcelona earning the Spanish crown.

“A club like Madrid, its fans, and the people who work for the club deserve trophies every year,” Bellingham remarked. They did not win La Liga or the Champions League this year.

“That is the standard I want to help the club achieve, where they can compete for these awards every year.”

“Manchester City had a great season, but it just gives us more fire to go for it next year.”