Jude Bellingham admitted using invective in the dressing room at half-time about Lisandro Martínez after the defender’s challenge on him during Real Madrid’s 2-0 pre-season win over Manchester United.
Martínez was booked for clattering into Bellingham at Houston’s NRG Stadium. The midfielder was furious at the interval but calmed down and was pleased that Martínez shook his hand when replaced in the second half.
Bellingham said: “The little tiff with Martínez is one of those things. He is a brilliant player. I came in at half-time and I was f’ing this and f’ing that. But when he came over to wish me all the best when he came off, I really respected it.
“I know what goes on on the pitch stays on the pitch. I saw him at the end of the game and wished him well. I can respect that when two players are trying to win for their team and can come together and be respectful after the game. He is a great competitor and a great player. Just like me, he wants to win. Sometimes it spills over.”
Bellingham, who was taken off at half-time, scored a fine opener, chipping André Onana on the United goalkeeper’s first appearance. This was his first Madrid goal since his initial €103m move from Borussia Dortmund last month.
“I look like I am enjoying it, I like to think,” Bellingham said. “So far, so good. I am enjoying playing with this team, learning from so many great players. I am definitely not getting carried away just yet. There are big challenges to come this season.
“I was confident coming here because I knew how good the players were. I know the qualities I can bring and I feel like I have slotted in. The role I am playing is enjoyable. I had a decent game against Milan and a decent one today. I just want to keep up the rhythm going into the season.
“There is a lot to aim for and rightly so. It is the biggest club with the best players. The expectations are high as they should be. It is about us going out there and matching that.”
