Jude Bellingham reveals reason for ‘joke’ celebration in Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Monaco – ‘I know the truth’

The 22-year-old Bellingham opened up on how he has decided to deal with the brickbats.

“A lot of people say a lot of things,” he said.

“Anybody can get in front of a camera and say what they want and the whole world just believes them with no evidence.

“I feel like there are two ways you can take it. You can cry about it and moan or send a lawyer. Or you can just roll with it; enjoy it.

“It was a bit of a joke back to the fans and to the people who say whatever they want.

“I know the truth. I know what really goes on in my personal life.

“I know what I give to the game, what I give in the games and what I try and give to the team.

“All the outside noise, it doesn’t really matter. But it’s nice to have a bit of a joke.”

Recent performances have not gone down too well with some sections of the Real Madrid fans.

Carney, Lescott praise Arbeloa’s handling of ‘human’ Vinicius

Video credit: TNT Sports

And there were audible whistles and jeers during a 2-0 victory over Levante at the weekend.

The atmosphere was very different at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night though – and Bellingham admits he much preferred the reception he received against Monaco.

“It was a little bit different,” he smiled. “But I’ve always said; the fans pay their money, they work all week.

“They save up to come to Real Madrid games to support us, so they’re entitled to say what they want. I don’t think it’s always very helpful for the team or individuals.

“Speaking from experience now, I know it’s not the nicest thing in the world, but of course they’re entitled to their opinion.

“The way we have to react is the way we have reacted in the last two games.

“I think the second half the other day and the full 90 minutes today is the kind of performance that the fans want to see and that we need to deliver, for our fans but also for ourselves if we want to be successful this season.”

Vinicius Jnr was also back to his very best against Monaco.

The 25-year-old scored just his second goal since the start of October, while also teeing up strikes for Kylian Mbappe and Franco Mastantuono.

The latter of those means he leapfrogs Karim Benzema to take second spot in the list of all-time assist kings for Real in the Champions League.

Speaking of his team-mate, Bellingham continued: “He was really sharp. Looked dangerous every time he had the ball. Created loads.

“But for me, it’s never (in) any doubt when he has performances like that.

“I think he’s a player who thrives when he gets love.

“You could see today, when the kind of atmosphere changed towards him, he goes up leaps and bounds in his game and becomes so much more joyful to watch and to play with.

“He starts to feel like he doesn’t have to do as much. That’s the kind of pressure the whistles put on a player.

“Now it seems like he’s free from those shackles a little bit and hopefully he can continue.”

‘One of the world’s best talents’

Vinicius Jnr’s future at the Bernabeu remains up in the air, with the turbulent situation in the dugout leading to uncertainty about where he will be playing his football next year.

The Brazil international is out of contract in the summer of 2027, but TNT Sports expert Joleon Lescott cannot see how he will be allowed to leave the Spanish capital.

And he also thinks a recent upturn in performances is down to receiving the backing of new first team coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

“He’s definitely wanted it and needed it (support from the manager),” Lescott said. “You could see that in his performance tonight.

“Whether it was warranted or the criticism was valid, who knows? Because I’m not privy to know how aggressive the criticism was to him.

“But he’s definitely been praised at the right times. Tonight was a brilliant performance and he rightly deserves all the plaudits that are coming his way.

Highlights: Real fire warning as Vinicius, Bellingham net in Monaco rout

Video credit: TNT Sports

“I’m sure Real Madrid will do everything in their power to keep a player of that quality.

“He’s one of the world’s best talents, one of the most marketable players. They tend to have those players always in their armoury.”

Fellow TNT Sports expert Karen Carney added: “He went over and celebrated with his manager, who’s obviously heavily backed him.

“A lot of his team-mates have and everybody has, because he’s a super talent.

“He’s running his contract (down). It’s coming to perhaps an end, and you want to keep your best players at Real Madrid.

“He is a star, and it’s been difficult, but stars always shine eventually. The cream always rises to the top.

“He is super talented and you want to keep him.”