‘Playing abroad is a good idea’: Jude Bellingham advises English players ahead of Man City-Real Madrid Champions League clash

Real Madrid are set to shake hands with Manchester City for the second time in eight days as a place in the Champions League semifinal is up for grabs. Real, 14-time winners of the competition will travel to Manchester on Wednesday (April 17) needing a win to advance to the last four. While City will walk out as the favorites at the Etihad Stadium, Real have all the tools in the arsenal to succeed including English star Jude Bellingham. The England international opened up on his move to Madrid and suggested more players should try moving abroad to help grow their careers.

Jude Bellingham advises English players to leave Premier League

“I was at Dortmund for three years, I took an unfamiliar path, but there are things I can take back to the national team, and chances I wouldn’t have had in England. Playing abroad is a good idea for young English players,” Bellingham told reporters before the Manchester City clash.

The former Birmingham City midfielder never played in the top flight of English football and was snapped by Borussia Dortmund in Germany before playing top-flight football in England. He was one of the best players in the Bundesliga and almost helped Dortmund end Bayern Munich’s reign as German champions in the 2022-23 season.

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Having transferred for a reported fee of €103 million (£88m) from Dortmund to Real Madrid, Bellingham has quickly adapted to his new home like fish to water. He has scored 20 goals in all competitions, including 16 in La Liga. He is on course to win the Golden Boot in La Liga, highlighting his influence on the team. He also has 10 assists to his name in all competitions and has scored vital goals for the side including a winner in the El Clasico against Barcelona at the start of the season.

Man City-Real Madrid to square off for semifinal berth

On Wednesday, Bellingham will be back in England for the first time since moving to Madrid and will look to dent the Man City’s aspirations. Like Real, Manchester City also have their own English talent in Phil Foden who has been flying in recent times. Foden scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa a couple of weeks ago and will look to repeat that performance on Wednesday night. The tie is currently level at 3-3 after the first leg, with winner takes all contest in Manchester’s second leg.

Bellingham on the other hand will look to make a wide impression on the English fans who will be supporting him in the summer when the Euro 2024 takes center stage in Germany.

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