“I play for the biggest club in the world” - Jude Bellingham makes stance clear on criticism in England after Real Madrid loss to Man City

Bhargav
Real Madrid C.F. v Manchester City - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham shared his take on criticism in England following his team's 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat at home to Manchester City on Wednesday (December 10).

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Rodrygo opened the scoring in the 28th minute - his first goal in 34 games across competitions since last season. But City turned the game on its head inside eight minutes, with Nico O'Reilly equalising in the 35th minute before Erling Haaland scored from the spot on the cusp of half-time.

Bellingham - who has scored just four times in 17 games across competitions this season - said about criticism in his home country (as per Madrid Xtra):

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“Noise in England? This is life. It’s what I signed up for. I play for the biggest club in the world and one of the most scrutinised countries in the world.
"I don’t want pity. I’m living the dream. Many people want to be in the position that I’m in. It comes with a few people that are negative. I just roll with the punches.”
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The Englishman's only Champions League goal this campaign in five games came in the 1-0 home win over Juventus on matchday three. Although Bellingham didn't score against City, he provided the assist for Rodrygo's opener before Xabi Alonso's side ended the night with a loss.


Jude Bellingham offers take on Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso

The pressure continues to mount on new Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso following Manchester City's come-from-behind win at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

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The defeat means Los Blancos have now won just twice in eight games across competitions, losing thrice, including the last two. Despite the setback, Madrid remain in the top-eight of the UEFA Champions League group phase standings.

Asked about the team's support to Alonso, Jude Bellingham remarked (as per Mirror):

"100%. The manager has been great. I personally have a great relationship with him, and I know a lot of the boys do too.
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"After that run of draws, we had some great conversations internally and felt we'd put that form behind us but the last couple of games. No one is downing tools, no one complaining or moaning. We take it on the chin and keep fighting."

Madrid return to action at Alaves on Saturday (December 13) in La Liga, winning once in five games, and are four points behind leaders Barcelona (40).

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Edited by Bhargav
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