Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham paid his respects to Rangers after the Scottish champions knocked his side out of the Europa League last night.
A 2-2 draw in the second leg at Ibrox was enough to secure the Gers’ progress to the last 16, and Bellingham took to Twitter after the match to reflect on the performance:
Got what we deserved in the end after two poor performances. Can only apologise for letting the fans down again despite the unbelievable support. Respect and all the best to @RangersFC for the season. We have to start using these nights as motivation to be better, like on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/OCOV2CP9ZS
— Jude Bellingham (@BellinghamJude) February 24, 2022
Bears fans on Twitter were equally complimentary about Bellingham, with many believing he is destined for the very top of world football:
Bellingham showing ridiculous amounts of class and maturity not only on the park but off it too. Closest thing I’ve seen to prime Arsenal Viera, and as still a teenager it’s frightening how high the bar is set for this lad…
— Janis Jockstrap (@confusedcamper) February 25, 2022
He was class & didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. Cheeky loan deal @RangersFC? All the best to Jude & @BVB for their season
— Newtown Gooner (@newtowngooner) February 25, 2022
What a total class human being… the boys going to rule the world…👍💙
— Stevcho (@Thecrochunter7) February 25, 2022
Class from the player and class from the famous. That’s levels 🔴⚪️🔵
— BlueBlueBlueSea (@ibrox1872RFC) February 25, 2022
No real interest in how England go but blimey they’ve a player there. On and off the field conducts himself way in advance of an 18 year old
— David_Davy_Dave (@David_Davy_Dave) February 25, 2022
Sign him
— Cammy Duncan🇳🇱 (@cammyduncan2002) February 25, 2022
He’s got a great future ahead of him. Quality player – and only 18.
— Jim55W (@jim_nlrsc) February 25, 2022
Pure class
— Anthony Buckley (@buckl3y) February 25, 2022
What a player 👏🏼
— Liam Henderson (@liam_henderson1) February 25, 2022
The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have been linked with Bellingham in recent months so it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
For an 18-year-old, though, he is playing football at a level well beyond his years, whilst also having a very level head on his shoulders. The respect he has shown Rangers shows his maturity, and it is something that supporters were keen to recognise.