CRAIG: THIS CITY UNDERSTANDS ME

Craig Bellamy spoke exclusively to Cardiff City Player following the completion of his return to the Club.

 

"I expected the move to go smoothly and it has. I'm delighted to be back at Cardiff City again," said Bellers.

"I wouldn't say I always thought I'd be back though, especially not after signing a two year deal with Liverpool last season.

"But it feels different here this time. I'm looking forward to it."

And the returning number 39 was sure to pay credit to former manager Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool for the roles they played in allowing the transfer to happen.

"When Brendan got the job he phoned me straight away on his first day," Craig continued. "I felt honoured that he did that and he told me that he wanted me as part of his team. But my mind was met up - I wanted to come home. He gave me time to change my mind but it wasn't going to happen.

"The fans have always appreciated me at Cardiff City and it was a pleasure to be here last time around and I felt at home. The media were great as well. I feel people understand me here and it's great to be back.

"I don't think it's right to say I've got unfinished business, although I appreciate a lot of people in the press will try and use that line. I try not to look to far ahead and my mind set is different to what it used to be. I'm not going to put un-neccesary pressure on me and say we're going to do this or that; my intention is to go out and win every game I play in, it's as simple as that."

Boss Malky Mackay was equally thrilled with the completion of the move, saying: "This is a fantastic signing for the Football Club. Liverpool have been fantastic in the way they've done business; Brendan Rodgers is a good friend of mine and he, along with Ian Ayre, have been superb in the way that they've worked with Alan Whiteley.

"There was a massive willingness on Craig's part to come back to Cardiff - a lot of Premier League clubs would have taken him in a heartbeat. We've know each other for a long time and I admire his hunger, ambition and professionalism. He'll be used to the standards that we set at this football club - they are the same standards he sets for himself.

"Craig is a quality player - you just have to see what he was like in the Olympics, he was outstanding and at the heart of everything that was good. He's played at the highest level throughout his career and he's someone who can improve my team. Wherever we decide to play him, I know he's going to do a great job for us. He's a threat all over the football field.

"We're hoping to have Craig with us next week after the formalities are done. Tomorrow against Newcastle may be a bit too soon but we'll have to see how it goes."