Jude Bellingham says he 'didn't think' about money when deciding to join Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham has denied that money was a main factor in his move to Real Madrid, and even insisted that he doesn't think about money.

Bellingham has been the hottest player on the market ever since the World Cup, with several top teams across Europe fighting to sign him.

Manchester City and Liverpool were the two Premier League sides most likely to sign the 19-year-old, but in the end it was Real Madrid that won the race for his signature.

The Spanish giants paid Borussia Dortmund £88.5m for the England international, a fee which could rise to £115m and make Bellingham the most expensive English player of all time.

Bellingham penned a six-year contract at Madrid, one that Spanish outlet Marca reported could earn the youngster £12 million per year, and £1 million per month.

When it was reported last month that Real Madrid were close to signing the midfielder, it was revealed that the Spanish club weren't offering a salary as high as some of Bellingham's other potential suitors.

On Thursday, speaking at his official unveiling as a Madridista, Bellingham opened up on why he chose to join Madrid.

When he was asked if the - still admittedly huge - salary Madrid had offered him was a decisive factor in his decision, the 19-year-old was clear.

"Money's not a thing for me, I don't think about money at all when I make these kinds of decisions," he said.

Jude Bellingham unveiled as Real Madrid's new No.5. Image: Real Madrid

"I never have and I never will. I play the game purely out of love.

"I spoke with the people when I got permission from Borussia Dortmund and I loved the feeling I got from the club.

"I couldn't hide it, I told them more or less straight away what I felt about the club, and after I made my decision I wanted it all to happen quickly.

"It wasn't a case that the other teams were bad or weren't good, it's just that for me, Madrid is the greatest."

Through the transfer fees and wages, Bellingham is going to cost Real Madrid an awful lot of money.

Clearly though, they are confident that he will deliver.

Bellingham's usual shirt number of choice - 22 - is already occupied by Antonio Rudiger, so he instead opted for the number five shirt previously worn by club legends including Fernando Hierro and Zinedine Zidane. No pressure then.