Real Madrid star breaks silence amid claims he's 'refusing to play for club again' over Jude Bellingham issue

A Real Madrid star has broken his silence amid claims he's 'refusing to play for the club again' over a Jude Bellingham issue.

Real are set to go the 2024/25 season without a major trophy but they can salvage their campaign with this summer's Club World Cup.

Amid their struggles this season, there appears to be disharmony within Carlo Ancelotti's squad.

As reported by MARCA, Rodrygo told the Los Blancos staff that he 'didn't feel strong or up to playing' despite taking part in four training sessions during the week.

Pressed on the matter in his post-match press conference following their crushing 4-3 defeat to Barcelona, Ancelotti explained: "He had recovered, but he wasn't feeling well. He wasn't at his best. I have no problem with him. He's had a fever, and putting him on for five minutes when he's not well has a risk: that he could get injured."

The outlet claims that Rodrygo feels 'displaced' after the 'media explosion' surrounding the arrivals of Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, which has created a 'rift' with Vinicius Jr.

It adds by stating that 'Rodrygo is currently confined to his home, clearly angry at having lost the leading role he hoped to have alongside Vinicius Jr.' with suggestions that he no longer wants to play for the Spanish giants.

However, the 24-year-old forward, who played no part in his side's game against Barca last weekend, has refuted reports that he no longer wants to play for Real.

He thanked all the messages of support before slamming the rumours.

In a social media post, Rodrygo wrote: "Thank you for all your messages and concerns. I’ll be back soon. Stop making things up."

Rodrygo took to social media to address rumours about his Real Madrid future. Image: Instagram/Rodrygo

The Brazilian has scored 14 goals in 51 games across all competitions this season.

He has been a key player for Real but isn't seen as vital as Mbappe or Vinicius Jr. up front.

His future has been the subject of intense transfer speculation ahead of the window reopening this summer.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are thought to be interested in signing Rodrygo, who has been at Real since June 2019 following his move from Santos.