"Made of the right stuff" - Manchester United icon hails Real Madrid's 'special' Jude Bellingham for hitting back at critics
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hailed Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham for letting the world know he lost his smile after Euro 2024. The English pundit spoke ahead of Los Blancos' clash with Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League (November 27).
Ferdinand gave a glowing verdict of Bellingham, who made bold comments regarding his treatment post-European Championships. He said (via TNT Sports):
"This guy is special on and off the pitch. That's one of the reasons why he's a captivating character because of the way he handles himself off the pitch, the way he communicates with the media, or doesn't communicate as we saw recently. Not happy with certain things, makes a decision, goes with it. The young kid, made of the right stuff man."
Bellingham, 21, was aggrieved with the fans and media's response to his performance at Euro 2024. He posted two goals and one assist, including a vital overhead kick equalizer, in a 2-1 comeback win against Slovakia (A.E.T) in the last 16.
The 40-cap England international said ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League game (via the source above):
"I lost my smile a lot playing for England after the Euros as I felt I was a little mistreated compared to what I contributed. [The] smile is back [now]. I think it was a bit harsh on me. I felt a bit like the scapegoat."
Bellingham has been in scintillating form for club and country over the past year. He broke records in his debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu, bagging 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across competitions.
Paul Scholes told Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham he made the right decision turning Manchester United down
Manchester United were among the clubs interested in signing Jude Bellingham in July 2020 while he was at Birmingham City. He snubbed a move to Old Trafford and opted to join Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham developed into one of the world's best at Signal Iduna Park and earned an £89 million switch to Madrid last year. He finished third on the Ballon d'Or podium last month.
Paul Scholes alluded to this when hailing Bellingham last season as Real Madrid won the Champions League, La Liga and Supercopa de Espana. He told TNT Sports:
"I think Jude Bellingham for his age and what he’s accomplished so far in his short career, he’s better than anything we've seen. We [Manchester United] were very close to signing him, but he decided to go to Borussia Dortmund which looks the right thing from what’s happened over the past couple of years."
Manchester United have struggled in the midfield and attacking department. Bellingham's potential acquisition may have led to a dramatic turnaround at Old Trafford.
