Jude Bellingham responded to baseless allegations about his lifestyle with a playful celebration during Real Madrid's commanding 6-1 triumph over Monaco.
The 22-year-old England midfielder found the net after rounding Monaco keeper Philipp Kohn, slotting home to complete the rout for the Spanish giants.
Upon scoring, Bellingham grinned broadly whilst repeatedly mimicking a drinking motion with his hand.
The gesture appeared to be a direct response to Spanish YouTuber AuronPlay, who had recently made unfounded accusations that the Birmingham-born star "loves alcohol too much" and frequents "every nightclub in Spain".
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The celebration came just days after Bellingham faced jeers from Real Madrid supporters during their 2-0 win against Levante.
Speaking to TNT Sports following the match, Bellingham described his celebration as "a bit of a joke" aimed at those spreading rumours about him.
"It feels like anyone now can get a camera, say what they want and the whole world just believes them with no evidence," he said.
Jude Bellingham impressed as Real Madrid thumped Monaco in the Champions League
|GETTY
The midfielder explained his approach to dealing with such criticism: "I feel there's two ways you can take it. You can cry about it and moan, or you can just roll with it and enjoy it.
"For me, I know the truth and I know what really goes on in my personal life.
"All the outside noise doesn't really matter but it's nice to have a little joke."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Football clubs with the most Champions League titles
|GETTY
Despite the recent hostility from sections of the Real Madrid faithful, Bellingham maintained a respectful stance towards supporters who had booed him.
"I've always said the fans pay their money, work all week and save up to come to Real Madrid games to support us so they're entitled to say what they want," he remarked.
The England international acknowledged that performances like the Monaco demolition are what the club's demanding fanbase deserves.
"This was the kind of performance we have to deliver more for our fans," Bellingham stated.
Real Madrid's emphatic victory over Monaco lifted them to second place in the Champions League league phase standings.
Real Madrid got their Champions League campaign back on track with a pulsating victory over Monaco
|GETTY
In the domestic competition, Los Blancos sit one point behind leaders Barcelona in LaLiga after getting their campaign back on track following a turbulent period.
The club parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso after their 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, with caretaker Alvaro Arbeloa subsequently overseeing a Copa del Rey exit to second-division side Albacete.
Bellingham has netted six times across 25 appearances in all competitions this season, including four goals in 16 LaLiga outings.
The 22-year-old star and his teammates travel to Villarreal on Saturday.