Craig Bellamy has broken his silence on the summer transfer saga that saw him linked with the vacant Burnley managerial post, confirming he rejected the Championship club to continue leading the Wales national team. The 47-year-old described his decision as staying in "the right place" for him, ending months of speculation about his future.
Bellamy addressed the matter publicly for the first time while announcing his 28-man squad ahead of a demanding run of Nations League A fixtures against Portugal, Norway and Denmark during the current international break. Wales open the campaign away to Portugal next Thursday.
Burnley, who turned to Bellamy after a release clause in his Wales contract allowed him to hold talks with the club, ultimately appointed Nicky Hayen instead. Bellamy had previously worked at Turf Moor for two years as assistant to Vincent Kompany, and briefly took charge on a caretaker basis when Kompany departed for Bayern Munich.
Explaining his reasoning, Bellamy said his respect for his former employers led him to engage in discussions, but he never seriously considered leaving his post with Wales. "This is the first time I'm talking about it and I made the decision to stay because this is the right place for me," he said. "There's only one person you have to prove something to, and that's to yourself, your morals, what you live by. I've never moved for money, I've never done anything for money and I ain't going to change now."
The episode came shortly after Bellamy had publicly stated he had no intention of leaving his role, prompting some frustration among supporters and former players who felt he would need to repair trust with the fanbase. Asked about how the situation might be perceived, Bellamy was candid. "I know how it could be seen, but I've only one person I have anything to prove to, and that's me," he said. "I'm comfortable with the decision I've made. I've always been committed in everything I do and that hasn't changed. Now, winning people over? I don't know, that's the honest truth."
Bellamy took over the Wales job in 2024, succeeding Rob Page, and enjoyed early success including an unbeaten run that secured promotion to the top tier of the Nations League. However, his reign has also included disappointment, most notably Wales' failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-offs back in March.
Looking further ahead, Bellamy acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football management when asked whether he expects to still be in charge for Euro 2028, with the tournament potentially bringing matches to Cardiff. "Oh, I'd love to - but that's two years from now," he said. "Nothing's guaranteed. I'm no different, I'm not more special than anyone else (in management)."
On a personal note, Bellamy also revealed why he had largely avoided public comment over the summer, disclosing that he spent a week in intensive care last year after his appendix ruptured, shortly before Wales secured a win in Kazakhstan. "I try to stay quiet, mostly," he explained. "I feel like I've got nothing worth saying when I'm not working... I lead a very boring life. I'm sorry if it looks that way that I have been quiet. I've really enjoyed this summer and got a hang of it. I've enjoyed my time with the family and my time working as well."
In terms of squad news, Leeds United defender Joe Rodon misses out through a hamstring injury, while his club teammate Jayden Lienou earns a call-up. Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford, 21, has also been included in the Wales squad for the first time as Bellamy prepares his side for the crucial Nations League matches.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football and BBC Sport Football.