Source: Team_Talk
Bellamy 'ashamed' to be a footballer
Manchester City star Craig Bellamy has launched a scathing attack on his fellow professionals by saying he is "ashamed" to be a footballer.[LNB] The striker, speaking in an interview with a French magazine, said he did not feel close to his colleagues because they lived a different lifestyle to him.[LNB]And the 30-year-old revealed he had no time for players who did not give their all in matches.[LNB]Quoted in the News of the World, Bellamy said: "I don't feel close to footballers. Sometimes when I see certain things I'm ashamed to be a footballer. [LNB]"I don't go to nightclubs, I don't go to lounge bars, I don't spend my days shopping. That doesn't interest me. I spend a lot of time with my children at home. That's where I feel good."[LNB]He added: "I don't know how to be on the pitch as a tourist. Some lads do that but I can't. When I play, I play for real. I never pretend. [LNB]"I know I get carried away by emotion. I have always been like that. I don't give a toss whether that pleases people or not. I do my thing. What counts for me is the respect of my family, people who know me, my manager and my team-mates."[LNB]Bellamy has courted controversy throughout his career both on and off the pitch, with his latest storm following remarks about John Terry's private life.[LNB]The Welshman has enjoyed a successful season with City, though, bagging 11 goals and providing a spearhead to Roberto Mancini's front line as the club attempt to wrap up a top four spot.[LNB]But Bellamy's future at Eastlands looked in doubt in January following the dismissal of Mark Hughes, who Bellamy played under during his time at Blackburn.[LNB]The striker has since settled under Mancini's reign - although he admitted he does not see many prospects for his career emerging if he remains at the Blues.[LNB]"New players are coming in a few months and I might be overtaken," he said. "I don't see myself playing for City in two or three years, lifting trophies."[LNB]Bellamy's high-octane displays have become his trademark, however, at 31, the ex-Norwich man feels his cut-and-thrust approach may dwindle as he approaches the later stages of his career.[LNB]He added: "It's going to stop quickly. My body won't hold up for a long time. I'll soon be 31 and that will quickly become a problem. I won't be able to play at my best any more and I will stop playing. [LNB]"I have had seven knee operations in the last nine years. I can't string three games a week together. My body does not allow me to play all the time."
