Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has admitted that veteran Craig Bellamy could retire from the game anytime soon because the Welshman feels he can’t keep up with the game anymore.
Late last week, the 34-year-old revealed that this will be his last qualifying campaign with Wales and he also hinted that if could be his last season for club as well.
The former-Liverpool striker missed Cardiff’s weekend game against Hull City after playing 90 minutes on two occasions for his country last week and his club manager, Malky Mackay, has admitted that he could retire from the game soon.
“Craig is quite open in talking about it (retirement) so it’s not a shock to anyone if it happens at the end of the season,” said Mackay.
“He’s someone at ease with seeing how the season goes and making that decision in the summer.
“I talk to him about Kevin Phillips and Ryan Giggs, who take it a season at a time, but there will be a point where, because of his knees, Craig wants a life with his family where he can walk about and not have arthritis in his knees for the rest of his life.
“And there’ll be a point where he says ‘that’s not quite yet, I’m going to have another season’.”
Mackay then revealed that Bellamy may retire from international duty soon so that he can keep playing for his club.
“There might be a point where he finally decides ‘I’ve sweated and given blood for my country for a long time and I’ll now come out of that to elongate my career’,” Mackay added.
“But that will be something he’ll decide. I’m quite relaxed.
“It’s important for Wales that they get their best players out there and I’m a big supporter of them.
“I live in the country and am good friends with the people involved in the national team, including Chris Coleman.
“If one of my players can help out, great, but I’m also aware our club needs him.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
