ENGLAND star Jude Bellingham admitted it was “emotional” to see a video of his old coach talking about his stunning leap to stardom.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top after joining the Birmingham City academy aged seven.
Bellingham’s development was overseen by academy coach Mike Dodds, who spoke to ITV about the England superstar.
The teenager has started all four games for the Three Lions at the World Cup so far.
He scored his first England goal in the 6-2 win over Iran, before setting up Jordan Henderson for the opener in the 3-0 last-16 victory over Senegal.
When Dodds was asked for one thing he’d tell Bellingham before games that he’d say again now, the coach said: “Go and be the best player.”
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And Bellingham, who was shown footage of the interview, admitted that Dodds’ words were “emotional” to hear.
He said in response: “Wow. It makes me feel a bit emotional actually.
“But I’ll try my best.”
Bellingham has starred for England in Qatar so far, and will looking to put in another stellar performance against France in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
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The now Borussia Dortmund ace revealed old coach Dodds is one of the reasons for his success.
Bellingham said on Dodds: “[He’s] the biggest influence I’ve had outside of my family in terms of football.
“My first coach, and the one who kind of oversaw my development.”
Star midfielder Bellingham played one season in the Championship for Birmingham aged 16, becoming the club’s youngest ever player and goalscorer in the process.
He then moved to German giants Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
His No22 shirt was retired at St Andrew’s following his departure.
After continuing his development in the Bundesliga, he is now one of the most sought after names on the planet.
Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City are the three frontrunners to sign Bellingham, with Manchester United reported to be out of the running.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
