Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has responded to Jude Bellingham's supposed criticism of the "levels" at the German club.
Bellingham made a blockbuster £85.5m (€100m) move to Real Madrid from Dortmund at the start of the summer transfer window, bringing an end to a three-year spell in the Bundesliga which made him one of the most highly-rated young players in world football.
As expected, Bellingham has continued to impressed since joining Madrid. The attacking midfielder has already bagged three goals in just two La Liga appearances - following up a debut goal against Athletic Club with a brace against Almeria - and is more than living up to his billing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Following the win over Almeria, Bellingham discussed the standard at Real Madrid and made a comment that many misconstrued as a diss of the levels at his previous club Dortmund.
"The level here is so high and I'm like a sponge, taking in everything my teammates tell me. That's why I've started the season so well. I have to keep helping the team. There are loads of games still to come and I have to keep contributing," he said.
Asked about these comments by BILD TV, Dortmund sporting director Kehl rightfully dismissed the suggestion that Bellingham's comments were a slight on the Bundesliga club: "I don't think the statement was meant as a criticism of Borussia Dortmund or of his time with us until the summer. I know that he was not 100 percent fit in the last few months and had problems with his knee. These problems are now over. I'm still in contact with Jude, we've always had a very respectful relationship.
"We are happy that he is developing like this at Real Madrid. We are keeping our fingers crossed for him and wish him all the best."
Bellingham will be looking to continue his wonderful start to life at Madrid when he faces off against Celta Vigo on Friday evening.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Borussia Dortmund director responds to Jude Bellingham 'diss'.