Craig Bellamy has sensationally threatened to quit football if he isn’t selected in Manchester City’s 25-man Premier League squad this season.
The Welsh international, 31, was one of City’s best performers last season, but with the arrival of new signings such as David Silva, Yaya Toure and Jerome Boateng, his place in Roberto Mancini’s squad is uncertain.
Bellamy is happy to stay at Eastlands if he is wanted and revealed he turned down other offers because of his commitment to the club.
“I feel strongly that I can offer something at the club,” Bellamy said. “But if I don’t get in the 25-man squad, I don’t know what I will do.
“I might finish, full stop, or look at every option I get.
“This game is as ruthless as any. I sort of feel I am not going to be part of it (at Manchester City). I can see it from a distance.
“I find that very difficult to take because I really enjoy playing for Manchester City. I think I have shown that with my commitment this year.
“I’ve had a few options. I’ve turned down Wolfsburg. I don’t fancy Germany, it’s not somewhere I see myself playing football.
“I have to see what options I have. I am here to play football.
“With this 25-man ruling, it doesn’t matter how well I train or how good my attitude is, I might not be registered to play.
“So do I go without playing football until January, or do I find myself a club where I can play football?
“I am committed to stay where I am. I feel I deserve to be part of it, but I don’t pick the 25 or the team. I have to wait on their decision.”
