Jobe Bellingham's first interview at Borussia: “That's one of my biggest strengths” | OneFootball

Jobe, congratulations: you are now a Borussia Dortmund player. How does it feel?“It's an incredible feeling. It's a great privilege, because it's the dream of many players - and for a few weeks now it's been my dream too. I'm very happy to be here.”

It's a special situation for you. You know the stadium, the fans, the club. What are you particularly looking forward to? Is there anything in particular?“First of all, I'm looking forward to the Club World Cup - it's definitely going to be a great tournament. It's the first time, so I'm particularly looking forward to it. It will be a historic event. I'm also looking forward to my first Bundesliga match in the stadium. I'm really looking forward to the South Stand and the fans there. I can hardly wait. That's actually all I'm thinking about at the moment.”

What do you remember about the South Stand from previous visits to the stadium?“They were just incredibly loud and full of energy. So many colours and so many flags. And the scarves. Constantly loud. I also saw them at away games. They also travelled a lot. Simply incredible.”

How have you experienced the last few weeks?“The last three weeks have honestly been incredible for me. There have been so many great moments. This is one of them, of course. Signing for Borussia Dortmund, but of course the final and the whole of the play-offs at my previous club were something that meant a lot to me. It was very special and I was happy that I was able to finish with that result. These are important games and I'm glad we made it in the end. Those games, and also the decision about my future, waiting for it to finally happen, it's been a special time. I've been a bit impatient over the last few days, as I've been waiting for this moment through it all.”

You've already mentioned that you achieved promotion to the English Premier League with Sunderland. Why did you ultimately decide in favour of a move to Borussia Dortmund?“To be honest, I had to think about it for a very long time. Not because of anything to do with the club, but because of my history, my personal journey with Sunderland. I weighed it up for a long time and I know the fans were a bit worried, but I thought long and hard about it. That's why I'm sure it's the right decision. I spoke to a lot of people at the club, some of whom I already knew. Of course, I also spoke to the coach, who I really have faith in and who thankfully also has faith in me. But the conversation with Mr Watzke was probably the deciding factor. He ultimately convinced me to sign with Borussia Dortmund. I'm sure that I made the right decision. I'm really looking forward to it now.”

Your last season at Sunderland, which ended with promotion, was obviously very successful. How would you assess your personal development over the past year?“I've improved quite a lot to be honest. Technically, tactically, physically, everything. I try to improve every day. I like to work, I'm disciplined and committed because I take it all very seriously. I try to improve my craft and not let outside influences and things like that affect me. I think that was also important to sign here with Dortmund in the end, because it was the best decision I could have made. I will continue to do the same here by working hard and simply focusing on the fundamentals. I work hard for the team and for my teammates and hope that we can enjoy some really good moments together.”

For BVB fans who didn't follow the English second-tier last season, tell us a bit about yourself as a player and perhaps your role in the Sunderland team last season.“Last season I probably played more as a number six or number eight. So I tend to play as a box-to-box midfielder. Of course, I give my all in every game and throw myself at every opportunity. I think that's one of my greatest strengths. I like to lead from the front with my tackling. I like to throw myself into challenges and I think that showed in the numbers last year, even if you didn't always see it on the pitch. So that's an important part of my game, a big strength that I've improved on. I like scoring goals, but last season that wasn't so much my objective as being a presence for the team in other areas was. I think I've improved a lot in these aspects and hopefully I can take the next step here.”

Is there anything you're particularly looking forward to in the Bundesliga? Not just the clubs, but perhaps also the fans, the fan culture and so on?“Yes, definitely. The fan culture here is really appealing to football fans. Even for fans in England and around the world. I think people come to Germany to experience the atmospheres. I'm just excited to see what each game brings. And as I said, to my first home game.”

BVB are travelling to the USA for the Club World Cup at the end of the week. How important was it for you to get here as soon as possible to take part in this tournament?“I know that the club had planned all along to bring me here for the tournament because it's a big tournament and it's the first time it's happening. It's a huge opportunity for me to integrate into the team and the club. That's why you have to work hard and try to seize this opportunity. But to be honest, I would have played for my country at the U21 European Championships, which I'm always proud of. Either way, I would have played football at a high level this summer and I'm grateful for that.”

Last question: What are your goals for the future at Borussia Dortmund - in the short term, but also in the long term?“In the short term: simply to have a positive influence on the club. To build a connection with the fans, within my team and also with the coaching staff. I think that should be the first step for every player at every club. For me, that's the foundation for the future. Once I've settled in and can start performing and doing what I can do, then the rest will take care of itself.”