Author Topic: Craig Bellamy moves to Cardiff City (Read 206 times)

Elano · « **on:** August 18, 2010, 02:02:48 AM »

Bellamy provided the sensation of this summer's transfer window after agreeing to leave Manchester City to return home to South Wales for a season's loan deal.

And the Wales ace was quick to insist he is a man on a mission.

Bellamy, 31, said: "I went to Manchester City at a great period of their history and I was bought to take them on to the next level. I played a big part in doing that.

"It'll be big for South Wales if Cardiff get into the Premier League. Young kids would get the chance to see great players."

Bellamy has cost some of Britain's biggest clubs £45million in transfer fees after spells at Liverpool, Newcastle, Celtic, West Ham and Manchester City.

But he says dropping down a level into the Championship with Cardiff will provide one of his biggest challenges.

Bellamy said: "I'm willing to put my neck on the line here. This has been the hardest decision I've ever made football-wise.

"But to have the chance to help get your home-town club into the top flight is too big a pull - and to live at home while doing it is great.

"Nothing is difficult about this decision. I just wanted to come home. My wife and kids live here.

"I've spent the last six years up and down the road. I left home at 15 and had a feeling I'd come back - but I wanted to join Cardiff at the top of my game.

"My family have supported me my whole life and I've wanted to reward them.

"If I didn't take this chance now I might not ever get it again. That would be a huge regret and hurt me for too long."

Cardiff have previously signed big-name veterans Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink - but they were in the twilight of their careers.

Bellamy is at the peak of his powers - and he said: "I weighed everything up and it all kept coming back to here.

"I did set out in my career to play for Cardiff.

"When I spoke to every club that was interested in me, and explained the reasons why I was going to Cardiff, I didn't get a call back.

"They knew I wasn't going to change my mind as I was content and happy in my choice.

"If every time you leave home you have your two-year-old girl chasing you down your drive, you would understand why I'm here."

Only last week, Bellamy accused Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini of trying to force him out after dumping the fiery striker from his 25-man squad.

Last night, the Welshman's stance had softened - maybe because City are paying in excess of £2.5m a year in wages to help finance the Cardiff deal.

Bellamy, who has joined his ninth club, added: "I'm fine with Mancini and I hope he does really well. There is no ill-feeling.

"He's a top manager, he has brought in some great players and will do very well. The players they are signing is just incredible and it's a great moment for City.

"In the next couple of years I'm sure they are going to win the Premier League title and I'll be really happy if they do. No club deserves more success than Manchester City.

"They have been brilliant. They said we want to make it work wherever you want to go.

"City have helped us out and made this possible. I'll be in debt to them forever."

Bellamy may have endeared himself to Cardiff fans - but they will not be in agreement with his views on bitter rivals Swansea.

He said: "Even if Swansea got into the Premier League, it would be great for football in this country. I understand the rivalry between the clubs from when I was a kid.

"I've never bought into that. Cardiff should be looking at promotion but, if we can't, I hope Swansea do. We need that in Wales."

Despite financial restraints this summer, Cardiff have also been able to sign Jason Koumas, Tom Heaton, Danny Drinkwater, Seyi Olofinjana and Martin John.