Bellingham reveals Martinez’s comment after malicious tackle during pre-season friendly

Jude Bellingham confronts Lisandro Martinez after a rough challenge

Bellingham reveals Martinez’s comment after malicious tackle during pre-season friendly

Stephen Oladehinde 15:18 - 27.07.2023

Jude Bellingham has made public what Lisandro Martinez said to him following the Argentine's brutal tackle during the preseason friendly.

Real Madrid defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the early hours of the morning with goals from new signings Bellingham and Joselu.

During the game, Lisandro Martinez was at the centre of another malicious tackle on Bellingham after previously making a dangerous tackle on Saka in their last preseason game.

Bellingham reacted angrily after being repeatedly clattered by Martinez, setting off a fiery exchange that resulted in tempers flaring.

The two faced off against each other on the field as teammates from Real and United raced over and got into a brawl.

Bellingham and Martinez were then seen conversing once again as the Englishman told Martinez what he had told him.

Jude Bellingham scores his first goal for Madrid
Jude Bellingham scores his first goal for Madrid

What Martinez said

After a surprising post-game bromance, Bellingham has remarked that their argument is now "water under the bridge" and acknowledged that he has "great respect" for Martinez.

Bellingham said as reported by the Sun, “The little tiff with Martinez is one of those things. He is a brilliant player. 

“I came in at half-time and I was f’ing this and f’ing that. But when he came over to wish me all the best when he came off, I really respected it.

“I know what goes on the pitch stays on the pitch. I saw him at the end of the game and wished him well. 

“I can respect that when two players are trying to win their team and can come together and be respectful after the game. 

“He is a great competitor and a great player. Just like me, he wants to win. Sometimes it spills over. 

“That is part of the game. I am really respectful. We can have that moment after the game.”

Bellingham enjoy playing in Madrid shirt

He said, “I look like I am enjoying it, I like to think. So far, so good. I am enjoying playing with this team, learning from so many great players. 

“I am definitely not getting carried away just yet. There are big challenges to come this season.

“I was confident coming here because I knew how good the players were. I know the qualities I can bring and I feel like I have slotted in.

“There is a lot to aim for and rightly so. It is the biggest club with the best players. The expectations are high as they should be. It is about us going out there and matching that.

“The standards that are set and the way everyone applies themselves in training, the mentality day in and day out. I enjoy that.”