Source: Telegraph
Craig Bellamy to quit Wales if Manchester City qualify for Champions League
In a bid to prolong his career at club level, the 30 year-old, who has struggled with knee injuries for a number of years, said he did not think his body could cope with the demands of playing an average of 50 games every season. [LNB]"If we get to the Champions League - which is what we're aiming for - and I'm still a big part of that, I'll have to be realistic," said Bellamy. "Can I compete in the Champions League, Premier League and internationals? Every day is a battle for my place in City's side. [LNB] Related ArticlesAdebayor likens himself to Barack ObamaBirmingham City v Manchester City: match previewManchester City 5 Scunthorpe United 1Scunthorpe out to KO Manchester CityMark Hughes defends Joleon Lescott's formShay Given: City defence needs time to gel"Am I able to 50 or 60 matches a season? Probably not. I'd have to look at it. If my knee's sore and we've a friendly in Australia, it's not going to work out."[LNB]With Wales having failed to qualify for next summer's World Cup, Bellamy said it was only right to put his club first. Ten months on from making his move to Manchester City from West Ham and the striker, who has scored four times in eight games so far this season, cites feeling comfortable in his surroundings as the reason for his run of form. [LNB]"Everything seems to make sense to me on the pitch at the moment," said Bellamy. "It just seems to be going the way I want it to. I'm with familiar faces, people I would trust with my life, and when you're that comfortable, the rest comes off the back of that. If anyone knows me as a player, it's Mark Hughes. [LNB]"He pulled me in at the start of the season and said, 'I'd back you against anyone, I know what you're like. If you're fit, I'd put my money on you, so go out there and get your place'. [LNB]"At that moment I knew I was part of it. It didn't matter who came into the club. I'm feeling confident and comfortable. I can really give it a go. [LNB]"People might say I've not progressed as I should have. I'd agree. But I've not been fully fit for a whole season. [LNB]"Normally I set myself targets, like so many goals. But coming into this season, I set myself just one. [LNB]"Myself, the physios and the fitness coaches, we all sat down together at the start of the season. I said to them, 'Make sure I'm fit this season', because I knew I could only challenge for my place if I was fit."[LNB]
