Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland were given the same message by Borussia Dortmund when leaving club – before going on to win the Champions League.
♦ Bellingham and Madrid win Champions League
♦ Haaland given same message before City move
♦ Bellingham to star for England in Euros
WHAT HAPPENED?
Dortmund manager, Edin Terzic, has explained how he had expressed his pride to both Bellingham and Haaland at having coached the superstars in Germany. Bellingham replicated Haaland’s success in winning the Champions League at the first time of asking after leaving Dortmund and Terzic had nothing but praise for his former player.
WHAT TERZIC SAID
Terzic said to TNT Sports: “When he left us I said the same thing I said to Erling Haaland – that I was proud to be their manager. It is his first Champions League win and it is a proud moment for him. I know what Mark, Denise and Jobe are doing to get this success in the family. Congratulations to Jude.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Haaland helped Manchester City to break their Champions League duck and beat Inter 1-0 in the 2023final. Bellingham, perhaps inspired by his former team-mate and friend’s successful move, made the switch to the Bernabeu and has torn up record after record in Madrid. The Englishman ended the season as the club’s top scorer in the league, and the Champions League triumph strengthens his claim to win the Ballon d’Or.
WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?
Bellingham will have little time to recover before he is thrown back into the limelight. The 20-year-old has been tipped to lead England to glory in this summer’s European Championships and end a 58-year wait for a trophy for the men’s side. Success at the tournament could propel him to being recognised as the best player in the world.