Jude Bellingham reveals his incredible rise was inspired by Jamie Johnson
England’s World Cup sensation Jude Bellingham’s staggering rise to the top has been inspired by Dan Freedman’s fictional young footballer.
The gifted 19-year-old, was an avid viewer of the Jamie Johnson series, which follows the trials and tribulations of an aspiring player. The television adaptation – aimed at getting children to read – explores bullying, sexism, homophobia and a variety of topics.
Freedman is delighted by the role he has inadvertently played:
It's so special for me when I hear that Jamie’s character inspires young people to go for their goals,’ he said. 'That was always my dream when I set out to write the books. I was lucky enough to be there when Wayne Rooney stormed onto the international scene and I’d also spent a lot of time watching and interviewing Steven Gerrard about his thoughts on the game. My hope was that I could distil some of the attributes of those two players into the character and playing style of Jamie so he felt realistic and compelling. Never in my wildest dreams did I think a future England star would have been inspired by him directly.
Full article at the Mail Online