Jude Bellingham believes he has "disappointed" Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti by failing to get to grips with the Spanish language this season.
Bellingham made the move from Borussia Dortmund to Madrid this summer and saw his outrageous form - 15 goals in 17 games - rewarded with the 2023 Golden Boy award.
The England international finally picked up his prize at the weekend and, while he was obviously delighted to get his hands on the trophy, Bellingham did confess one aspect of his move to Madrid has not gone to plan.
"I work hard, a real commitment to improve myself, but the credit goes to Mr Ancelotti, who found the right position for me and gave me more freedom on the pitch," he told Tuttosport. "So now I'm flying.
"But I know that I'm disappointing him in one aspect. I just don't speak Spanish yet. I'm sorry, but I've encountered unexpected obstacles with this language. It's hard for me, I admit. Anyway, I promise to give it my all, guaranteed."
Ancelotti was also among the names to whom Bellingham dedicated his latest award.
"To my Real Madrid teammates and the entire staff, to Mr Ancelotti, to the president, to my family, to my mother Denise, to my father Mark, to my younger brother Jobe, to the friends who have pleasantly bombarded me with messages of congratulations and who continue to do so," Bellingham continued.
"Without all these people, without their help on and off the field, their constant encouragement, and without ever forgetting the fans who support me, I would not have been able to win the Golden Boy,"
There was even a special shout-out for Madrid's medical staff, who helped him battle through his latest shoulder injury.
"I say thank you to the Madrid physio who got me back on track in a great way, and in a very short time from my shoulder dislocation."
