CRAIG BELLAMY CONFIRMS RETIREMENT FROM THE GAME

Cardiff City Football Club would like to place on record their thanks to forward Craig Bellamy, who confirmed his retirement from the game on Thursday to bring a glittering 17-year career in the game to an end.

A 78 time capped Wales International, Craig arrived for a first stint at his hometown club in 2010, joining on a season-long loan deal following one of his best personal seasons in the top flight with the Citizens. 

The Welsh International got off to the perfect start, scoring on his debut against Doncaster Rovers before proving pivotal in the Bluebirds’ push for promotion that campaign. Bellamy went on to score eleven goals for City in 37 appearances before returning to Liverpool for the following season. 

A fruitful return to Anfield saw the season end with silverware as the Reds claimed the Carling Cup trophy with a victory over the Bluebirds at Wembley. It wasn’t long before he soon returned to Cardiff City Stadium however, this time on a permanent deal. 

Promotion followed later that season as Craig achieved his goal in helping guide his hometown club back to the top flight for the first time in 51 years and a first ever appearance in the Barclays Premier League. 

Craig Bellamy made 22 appearances in his final season in the Barclays Premier League with the Bluebirds, with his goal against former club Norwich City in February seeing him depart a record holder - becoming the only player to score for seven different clubs in Premier League history.