Real Madrid formally unveiled 19-year-old English international midfielder Jude Bellingham at their training complex on Thursday.
The club declared Bellingham’s transfer on a six-year deal from Borussia Dortmund for a preliminary fee of 103 million euros on Wednesday. Additionally, they confirmed he would inherit the ‘5’ shirt, once donned by Zinedine Zidane.
“It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s the biggest club in history, not many have the opportunity to play here and I’m very grateful to those who have brought me here,” Bellingham told the press.
Despite attracting interest from clubs in his home country, Bellingham stated that Madrid had always been his top preference.
“Money is not so important. I didn’t think about it and I have never done it when choosing a team. I loved what Real Madrid showed and I wanted the move to be sealed quickly. There was nothing wrong with the other teams, but I chose Madrid,” he added.
When questioned whether he believed English captain Harry Kane could transfer to Real Madrid this summer, Bellingham preferred not to speculate on the Tottenham forward’s potential actions.
However, he did convey his enthusiasm about collaborating with coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“I think he’s an incredible coach. It’s a good opportunity for me to be with one of the best in history. I’m delighted that he wants me on his team,” the midfielder remarked.
“I have a great responsibility. When you play at a professional level, you have to learn fast, although you are young. I know how important this is.”
Meanwhile, West Ham have rejected Arsenal's first bid for England midfielder Declan Rice.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made Rice one of his main transfer targets, with suggestions that a deal was close.
However, it is understood the initial offer for the 24-year-old has left the Hammers unimpressed as it contains a number of clauses.
Sources at West Ham do expect further communication from Arsenal, although they are also anticipating an offer from Manchester City.
City are refusing to comment on potential interest in Rice.
There is uncertainty over the futures of City captain Ilkay Gundogan and team-mate Bernardo Silva, which could force the club's manager, Pep Guardiola, into the transfer market.
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has said he is "99 per cent" sure that Rice, who captained the Hammers to victory in the Europa Conference League earlier this month, will leave the club this summer.
Rice has played 245 games and scored 15 goals for West Ham, having made his debut in the 2016-17 season after coming through the academy.
He has been capped 41 times by England, playing in all five of their matches at last winter's World Cup.
Rice has one year left on his contract, although the Hammers have the option to extend that until the summer of 2025, leaving them in a strong position to negotiate a substantial transfer fee.
