Jude Bellingham says he ‘owes the city’ after buying Birmingham Phoenix stake

Jude Bellingham has explained his decision to buy a minority stake in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix, saying: “I feel like I owe the city something”.

The England and Real Madrid star has taken a 1.2% holding in the Edgbaston-based Hundred franchise, revealing himself as the unnamed investor who had been mentioned in the annual accounts of the parent club, Warwickshire.

The deal, which includes 0.6% from Warwickshire and 0.6% from American investment partners Knighthead Capital, comes with a price tag of more than £800,000.

The Phoenix franchise was valued at around £82million when Knighthead Capital acquired a 49% stake during the sales process initiated by the England and Wales Cricket Board last year.

Bellingham was brought up in Stourbridge and started his career with Birmingham City, who retired the No 22 shirt after he left for Borussia Dortmund at just 17. The 22-year-old is a known fan of cricket and played the game for Hagley in Worcestershire as a junior.

“I love Birmingham. I’m very grateful for what the whole city of Birmingham has done for me,” he said. “I love cricket as well so when I got the opportunity to get involved I didn’t really think twice about it, so I’m so happy to be on board. I got the best upbringing into football, into life through Birmingham City. I feel like I owe the city something.

Birmingham Phoenix’s Jacob Bethell runs out at Edgbaston during The Hundred competition last season. Photograph: Nathan Stirk/ECB/Getty Images

“Right now it’s difficult with how busy I am with football, but if there’s a way in which I can help then I want to and this feels like a good way. I think it’s so important to get our kids in the city out there playing sports. I think it’s crucial and the opportunity of me being a part of Birmingham Phoenix is to try and help people realise there’s different avenues. Some people will enjoy football, some people enjoy cricket.