Man Utd transfer target Jude Bellingham reveals he was ‘never really too interested in football’ and dad got him to play

ENGLAND star Jude Bellingham has revealed he had no interest in football as a kid until his father got him hooked on the beautiful game. The 18-year-old midfielder is now one of the most sought-after talents in Europe since blossoming at Borussia Dortmund following his 2020 transfer from Birmingham City. Both Liverpool and Manchester United […]

ENGLAND star Jude Bellingham has revealed he had no interest in football as a kid until his father got him hooked on the beautiful game.

The 18-year-old midfielder is now one of the most sought-after talents in Europe since blossoming at Borussia Dortmund following his 2020 transfer from Birmingham City.

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Both Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with moves for the star, while Real Madrid are also keen.

However, the now £100m-rated Bellingham might never have even kicked a ball in anger if it was not for his dad.

Speaking in an Xbox video interview, he explained: “I was never really too interested in football.

“It was something that I got dragged around to because my dad was a non-league player and a big fan of it.

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“One day it clicked and I just loved it – I went from strength to strength as a player.

“Dad was my hero. At the time there was Rooney and Robin van Persie was also really good, but for me my dad was the number one.”

Now Bellingham, who helped England to reach the European Championship final last summer, is hoping to go one better with his country this winter.

He said: “As a kid I always dreamed of playing for England.

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“I want to win the World Cup and bring some joy back to the country.”

Discussing his switch to Germany two years ago, he also admitted that it was one he never imagined that he would make.

He added: “I never dreamed of playing in Germany, I always thought it would be for Birmingham or in England and that would be me.

“The chance to play for Dortmund came and I didn’t really hesitate.

“Not one second have I ever regretted it or thought ‘this is too hard for me’.

“I want to rise to the challenge every single day I am there.”