Bellingham is my best friend, he texted when I scored the first goal in English football
NOAH OHIO will look to his best friend Jude Bellingham for inspiration as he looks to finally shine in English football.
The 21-year-old striker received a text message from the England midfielder straight after his first Hull goal sealed a 2-1 midweek win over Rotherham.
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The loan signing from Standard Liege in January knows he has a lot to do to match £115million star Bellingham's 20 goals for Real Madrid this season.
But Ohio said, “He's someone to look up to. He helps when he can, gives me advice. He's on top of the world, but still so grounded and a humble guy.
“His text said: congratulations and well rounded – but I still need a few more to catch up!
“He's the best in the world, but to me he's just Jude. He's been my best friend for four or five years now. We played for England Under-16s and we came close.
“It's been fun to see his growth. I'm really proud: he's a superstar.”
Holland Under-21s chief executive Ohio added: “You know it's possible because your friend is there.
“So anything is possible and everyone's journey is different.
“He tells me to stay focused, don't look left or right, it's your own journey and your own path. Don't compare and keep going. The more focused you are, the more success you will achieve.
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“He's very happy for me when I do well, just like I am when he scores every week.”
Ohio was signed by Manchester United at the age of 12, but left for City's academy derby rivals in 2016.
Three years later he turned down a professional deal with Pep Guardiola in the hope of getting more first-team opportunities elsewhere.
He joined RB Leipzig but struggled there and at Vitesse, Austria Vienna and Standard as he tried to establish himself.
Ohio craves a taste of the Prem, but doesn't view its past as unfinished business.
He said: “I chose to go abroad when I was very young and I had to make a decision for myself. I am very grateful to both clubs.
“I've had a great time and most of my friends are playing in the Championship or the Premier League and doing so well.
“I hope to follow myself and make a name for myself in England. I think the ambition of all boys is to play as high as possible.
'Now it is the right project to return to England. I wouldn't have come back if I didn't feel like it was the right time.
Eighth-placed Hull go to 20th-placed Huddersfield today and Ohio said it was a 'no-brainer' when Tigers boss Liam Rosenior called.
He added: “The manager, the style of play and the owners have really impressed me.
“Any young player that Hull City wants, when he has the conversation, he will be sold immediately because there is a clear project.”