Jude Bellingham has opened up about how Jadon Sancho encouraged him to join Borussia Dortmund following his £25m move from Birmingham.
The 17-year-old has been one of the most impressive young talents in England this season, and his superb displays in the Championship saw him linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in January.
However, having witnessed the success of Sancho in Germany - who also moved to Dortmund when he was 17 - Bellingham clearly felt a switch to the Bundesliga was the way forward.
And speaking following confirmation of his move, Bellingham lifted the lid on his talks with Sancho prior to signing on the dotted line.
"I chose Dortmund because it is the perfect step for my development," Bellingham said. "I am just glad that saga is over.
"It was a lot of annoyance to me and there was a lot of noise at the time when all I wanted to do was play for Birmingham.
"Now I haven’t got the chance to do that anymore, but I would like to think I made the most of it.
"The record Dortmund have got with young players in recent years is unrivalled in European football. Weighing all that up and the people we met there, the stadium and fanbase, it made me fall in love with that club as well.
"I’ve met Sancho and we have spoken. He is a great example of what you can achieve if you do the right things."
Meanwhile, Birmingham announced on Thursday that they would be retiring Bellingham's No.22 shirt in honour of their departing hero.
In a statement on their official website, the Blues said the gesture would be a fitting tribute "to remember one of our own and to inspire others."
The decision has received a mixed reaction, with former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore - who also grew up near the area - posting a laughing emoji on Twitter and writing simply: "Levels."
