Ahead of what will be his first experience of El Clasico, Jude Bellingham has spoken about the rivalry and his memories of it from his childhood.
The Real Madrid midfielder is looking forward to the game, which he is expected to play in despite the fact he has a very slight muscle strain.
“I’m ready, I’m feeling good,” he said, in the interview with Spanish channel TVE.
“There’s obviously still a day and a bit to get into the best condition for the game.
“I had a little bit of a tweak in the last game in the Champions League, but I’m feeling good and hopefully I’ll be out there and hopefully we get the right result.
“I’m really excited. I’m so looking forward to it, to the atmosphere, to playing against an opponent that as a club we highly respect.
“It will be a really fun encounter.”
Jude Bellingham’s favorite Clasico memory
Discussing his memories of watching El Clasico as a youngster, he spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo and one of his famous celebrations at the Camp Nou.
“I always remember celebrations and stuff like that, and I remember Ronaldo‘s one at the Camp Nou, when he went ‘calma, calma’,” Bellingham said.
“Stuff that sticks with you in your head, the iconic moments.”
Jude Bellingham on the start of his Real Madrid career
Discussing his first few months at the club in general, he explained that he has settled in well.
“I’m just I’m enjoying it and, when I’m enjoying my football, I always think I play at my best, so long may it continue,” he said.
“I get goosebumps just thinking about [the fans singing ‘Hey Jude’].
“On the pitch after I scored a goal or done a tackle or a piece of skill, and I start to hear it slowly and then louder and louder, it’s something that I’m really proud of.
“I’m so grateful for the fans for how they’ve treated me coming into the club.
“So far it’s been a good start, but I look to continue to repay them for how they’ve welcomed me.”
