English midfielder scored against Monaco and celebrated with a humorous gesture about his personal life
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has urged fans to tone down their criticism of the club and players even though they are “entitled” to say whatever they want.
Bellingham and Vinicius Junior were singled out for whistling and boos by their own fans at the Bernabeu against Levante on Sunday, but they responded well with goals in an impressive display as Real Madrid thrashed Monaco 6-1 in the Spanish capital on Tuesday.
“The fans pay their money, work all week, save up to come to Real Madrid games to support us, they’re entitled to say what they want,” Bellingham said. “I don’t think it’s always very helpful for the teams or for individuals.
“Speaking from experience now, I know it’s not the nicest thing in the world, but they’re entitled to their opinion.”
The English midfielder scored Madrid’s sixth on the night and celebrated by imitating drinking, a nod to criticism of his private life.
“A lot of people say a lot of things,” Bellingham said in response to questions about the celebration. “There’s two ways you can take it: you can cry about it and moan, or send a lawyer, or you can just roll with it and enjoy it. It was a bit of a joke back to the fans and the people who say whatever they want.
“I know the truth, I know what really goes on in my personal life. I know what I give to the game and the team. All the outside noise doesn’t really matter but it’s nice to have a bit of a joke.”
It was also a highly positive night for Alvaro Arbeloa, who has not had much to smile about after replacing Xabi Alonso at the helm last week. At the weekend, the coach called on the Bernabeu to get behind the team and he said he was pleased with the response he saw.
“Today I saw the Bernabeu supporting Vinicius, Kylian, Jude, all of them,” Arbeloa said. “They made a huge effort. Bellingham’s running wasn’t normal. That effort makes me very happy. That’s what we need, a committed team. It was a great night for everyone.”
