Bellingham's Emotional Return: 'Gutted for Months' But Madrid Derby Sparks Joy

Imagine nursing a hamstring twang so bad it leaves you moping like a teenager grounded for life. That's the hell Jude Bellingham endured before striding back onto the Bernabéu pitch. In Real Madrid's nail-biting 3-2 LaLiga derby triumph over Atlético Madrid on Sunday, the Englishman subbed on in the second half – his first action since early February.

As reported by Alex Kirkland at ESPN Spain, Bellingham opened up post-match to Real Madrid TV. "It was a proper slog, seven weeks of pure graft," he said in Spanish, admitting he'd been "proper gutted for ages". But now? Smiles all round, training with the lads and even earning a call-up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the internationals.

Injury Blues and a Season of Setbacks

This campaign's been a right curate's egg for Bellingham. Shoulder surgery over summer sidelined him till mid-September, then a thigh knock – just 10 minutes into a clash with Rayo Vallecano – put paid to more dreams. He's mustered only 15 LaLiga starts, with a measly four goals so far.

Compare that to his debut fireworks in 2023-24: 19 league strikes, turning the Santiago Bernabéu into his personal playground. It's like watching a Ferrari stuck in traffic – immense talent, but cruelly hampered. Still, that derby cameo? A glimpse of the old magic, even if he didn't bag a goal himself.

The timing couldn't be sweeter. Madrid's had a bumpy ride: Xabi Alonso got the boot in January, Álvaro Arbeloa stepped in, and suddenly things are clicking. Knocking out Manchester City in the Champions League last-16 (two-legged epic, no less), then this derby graft – the Blancos are buzzing.

Team on Fire: Vini and Fede Steal the Show

Bellingham couldn't hide his admiration for the hotshots carrying the side. Vinícius Júnior and Fede Valverde both netted against Atlético, fresh off their heroics versus City. "In the rough patches, those two step up massive," Jude beamed.

Vini's been a beast, shaking off any hoodoo to torment defenders. Fede? The ultimate warrior, always grafting. "Fede's attitude is class, Vini's bouncing back like a champ," Bellingham added. The whole squad's defending like lions and slicing attacks – especially these last few games.

And the fans? Electric. "These nights at the Bernabéu, the atmosphere's unreal," he gushed. "Pushes us to dig deep, derbies or City away – we feel it." No wonder Madrid's turning the corner. Upcoming Clásico at the Camp Nou on May 10? Barcelona better watch out.

What's Next for the Bellingham Bandwagon?

At 22, Bellingham's still got oodles of prime ahead. England's internationals will test those recovering legs, but Tuchel's backing speaks volumes. For Madrid, with Arbeloa steadying the ship, this could be the launchpad to silverware.

It's been a season of 'what ifs' for Jude, but that derby sub? A statement. From sad laps in the gym to derby roars – the lad's back, and Madrid's loving it. Pint's on me if he bangs in a hat-trick next time out. Cheers to the comeback king.