Craig Bellamy announces retirement saying his body ‘can’t take it any more’
Craig Bellamy has retired aged 34, saying his body “couldn’t take it any more”. The Cardiff City striker’s decision brings to an end a 17-year career that took in 10 clubs. He also played 78 times for Wales.
Bellamy told Wales Online: “It’s been on my mind to finish playing for the last couple of years but this time I’ve had to make a decision. I’ve had to listen to my body. I guess over the years I’ve become accustomed to the pain from various injuries but for the last three to four years I’ve been on anti-inflammatories every day. I’m not sure my body will think that’s a wise thing in due course but it kept me playing for that period.
“The time has come to stand aside and say enough. My body can’t take any more.” Bellamy said there had been offers from England and America but he was planning on pursuing a coaching career. Bellamy, who started out with Norwich in 1997, said: “I do have lots of business activities to keep me busy and I’m taking my full coaching badges. I’ve got A, B and C, I just need to do the pro-licence, which will prepare me properly for management.”
Bellamy’s career took in Coventry, Newcastle, Celtic, Blackburn, West Ham, Manchester City and two spells with Liverpool. He retires with 169 career goals, a League Cup and Community Shield won at Liverpool and a Scottish Cup from his time at Celtic.