Jude Bellingham spoke eloquently as he dismissed his on-field spat with Lisandro Martinez during Real Madrid's victory over Manchester United.
Martinez, who missed the end of last season after suffering an injury against Sevilla, has returned to full fitness ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
He's in the US with the Man United squad for their pre-season tour, with the Red Devils suffering a 2-0 defeat to the La Liga giants on Wednesday.
In defeat, though, the Argentine defender made his presence known as he smashed into Bellingham, who reacted angrily.
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The England international rose to his feet then shoved Martinez, who was booked for his challenge.
Dani Carvajal then raced over to the scene of the incident and pushed Martinez, prompting a mini scuffle between both sets of players.
Bellingham, who got on the score-sheet with a tidy goal, touched on his clash with the Man United defender as he brushed off his interaction, highlighting his elite mentality at such a young age.
"The little tiff with Martinez is one of those things," he said after the game. "Heโs a brilliant player. I came in at half-time and I was effing this and effing that. But then he came over to wish me all the best when he came off, and I really respected it.
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"I know what goes on the pitch stays on the pitch. I saw him at the end of the game and wished him well. I can respect that when two players are trying to win their team and can come together and be respectful after the game."
The 20-year-old added: "He is a great competitor and a great player. Just like me, he wants to win. Sometimes it spills over. That is part of the game. I am really respectful. We can have that moment after the game."
Bellingham will get his first taste of an El Clasico as Real take on Barcelona next at the AT&T Stadium.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/GettyTopics:ย Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, Football, Manchester United, Lisandro Martinez