Jude Bellingham insists he maintains total respect for Lisandro Martinez after heated confrontation
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham insists he maintains total respect for Lisandro Martinez after he was involved in a heated confrontation with the Manchester United defender during last night’s friendly.
The Argentina international, nicknamed The Butcher, riled Arsenal last weekend after one over zealous challenge on Bukayo Saka saw tempers fray.
Martinez’s combative style of defending
Martinez’s combative style of defending earned him cult hero status at Old Trafford following an impressive debut season, but another robust tackle, which left Bellingham in a heap shortly before half-time, drew an angry reaction from the England international.
‘The little tiff with Martinez is one of those things,’ said Bellingham after he marked his second appearance for his new club with a fine goal in an impressive 2-0 win. ‘He is a brilliant player.
Respect for Martinez
‘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 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 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. That is part of the game. I am really respectful. We can have that moment after the game.’
Bellingham’s first few weeks at Real Madrid
Bellingham, meanwile, insists he has loved his first few weeks as a Real Madrid player and is confident of helping the Spanish giants fulfil their lofty expectations.
The 20-year-old midfielder completed his big-money switch to the Bernabeu last month, leaving Borussia Dortmund for a fee that could rise to an eye-watering £115million.
Bellingham made his second appearance for Madrid under the NRG Stadium roof on Wednesday when he opened the scoring in the friendly against Manchester United with a lovely, clipped finish.
Bellingham’s performance
Despite being taken off at half-time in Houston he was deemed to have done enough to earn the man of the match award as Carlo Ancelotti’s side recorded an ultimately convincing win.
‘I look like I am enjoying it, I like to think,’ Bellingham said after the game. ‘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. 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.’
Conclusion
Jude Bellingham has shown respect for Lisandro Martinez despite their heated confrontation during Real Madrid’s friendly against Manchester United. Bellingham has enjoyed his first few weeks at Real Madrid and is confident of helping them fulfil their lofty expectations this season.
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