Jude Bellingham on joining Real Madrid: 'This is the proudest day of my life'

Jude Bellingham was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Thursday after completing his €103m move from Borussia Dortmund.

The England midfielder had been linked with a move to the Premier League but decided instead on La Liga and the 14-time European champions on a six-year contract.

During his press conference in the Spanish capital, Bellingham described his move as “the proudest day of my life”, talked about being given the number 5 shirt worn by Real legend Zinedine Zidane and why he chose Spain ahead of England.

Aged only 19, Bellingham will join a youthful Madrid squad that includes 22-year-old Brazil forwards Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, French internationals Eduardo Camavinga (20) and Aurelien Tchouameni (23), and Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde (24).

“Thank you everyone for joining me on the proudest day of my life,” said Bellingham at his unveiling.

“The day where I joined the greatest football club in the history of the game. There are a lot of people to thank for getting me to this point – Borussia Dortmund and Birmingham City, the people that worked there.

“Also the bosses here [at Real Madrid]; Mr President [Florentino Perez], Juni Calafat [scout], Jose Angel [chief executive].

“Of course, most importantly, my family for all of the support and making the deal as easy as possible, so thank you very much and finally, Hala Madrid.”

Bellingham will wear the shirt number made famous by fellow midfielder Zidane during the Frenchman's spell in Spain and the teenager is more than happy to take on the challenge. He takes over the shirt from Real defender Jesus Vallejo.

“I would like to thank Jesus Vallejo for letting me wear the number five,” Bellingham said. “I had some contact with him just to see if