Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed his deep respect for Lisandro Martinez, despite having a clash with the Manchester United defender during their friendly match in Houston.

Bellingham took exception to a robust challenge made by Martinez, but he clarified that both players demonstrated mutual respect for each other during half-time.

“The little tiff with Martinez is one of those things. He is a brilliant player. I came in at half-time and I was f’ing this and f’ing that. But when he came over to wish me all the best when he came off, I really respected it," Bellingham told reporters.

“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 for their team and can come together and be respectful after the game.

Lisandro Martinez doesn't do friendlies 🔪#SportsGist Messi | Number 10 | Dembele | Araujo #HalaMadrid Dest | Balde | Thomas Partey pic.twitter.com/BFiKm4V3wN— Sports Gist (@theSportsGist) July 27, 2023

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 scored his first goal for Real Madrid to give Los Blancos the lead in an eventual 2-0 win over United.

The England midfielder said he was settling in well to his new club after his £115 million ($149m) move from Borussia Dortmund. "I was confident coming here because I knew how good the players were.

I know the qualities I can bring and I feel like I have slotted in. The role I am playing is enjoyable. I had a decent game against AC Milan and a decent one today. I just want to keep up the rhythm going into the season," said the 20-year-old.

Los Blancos face arch rivals Barcelona in a friendly at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday in what will be Bellingham's first experience of El Clasico.