Jude Bellingham names Man Utd legend as 'biggest influence' as Birmingham City impact clear

Ex-Birmingham City superstar Jude Bellingham has named Manchester United icon and current Blues boss Wayne Rooney as his 'biggest influence' in football upon winning the Golden Ball award.

Bellingham said that Rooney was his greatest influence while he was growing up, citing the way he played and 'the way he fought'. Despite this, he also mentioned that there are 'so many other players' who he took inspiration from as a child. Rooney is the current manager of Birmingham as he assumed the role after John Eustace was sacked in October of this year. Since taking the reins at St. Andrews, Rooney has won one, drawn two and lost five games in the Championship.

Bellingham has set La Liga alight since he joined Real Madrid in the summer transfer window from Borussia Dortmund. Despite playing in central midfield, he is the top goalscorer in the division with 11 in 13 games - he has also notched up a pair of assists for Los Blancos.

He left Birmingham in 2020 after he made 41 league appearances for the Blues, scoring four Championship goals along the way. Upon leaving Birmingham, the club retired his shirt number - 22 - in recognition of what he achieved at the club.

What did Bellingham have to say about Wayne Rooney?

Upon receiving the Golden Ball award, Bellingham said on Rooney: "It’s about trying to make my team and my country the best teams in the world. I think to be the best player in the world, that’s what you have to do, to help your teams win. To join that list is such a big honour.

"For me, I would probably say that [Wayne] Rooney was my biggest influence growing up. Being from England, the way he played, the way he fought. But there are so many other players I’ve taken bits from."