http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/f ... -PROS.html
CRAIG BELLAMY has launched an outspoken attack on fellow professionals by claiming he is "ashamed" to be a footballer.
The Manchester City winger is convinced he is a changed man after the controversy that has dogged him throughout his career.
Bellamy, who claimed last month "everyone in football knows what JT is like" after the Chelsea skipper's affair with Vanessa Perroncel, is shocked by the behaviour of team-mates.
He said: "I don't feel close to footballers. Sometimes when I see certain things I'm ashamed to be a footballer.
"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."
Bellamy also admitted that he gets angry when fellow pros show a lack of commitment on the field.
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.
"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.
"Wayne Rooney is more effective in front of goal than me, but I love the guy. If you go to war you prefer to have Rooney on your side. It's the same with Roy Keane - a legend.
"I'd be happy to be a quarter of the player he was. Like him, I can't bear matches passing me by."
Bellamy, 30, also admitted he fears for his future at City as they line up another summer of big-spending and high-profile recruits.
He has been outstanding for the club this season and is finally responding to the methods of Italian coach Roberto Mancini.
Bellamy's bond with former City chief Mark Hughes affected his relationship with Mancini in the beginning, but the issues have finally been resolved.
Overtaken
The City firebrand added: "Mark Hughes was not my mate. I never had his telephone number, but he was a really good manager.
"New players are coming in a few months and I might be overtaken. I don't see myself playing for City in two or three years, lifting trophies.
"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.
"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."
Bellamy, interviewed in a French magazine, also attempted to explain the reasons for his volatile temperament.
The Wales star has had a number of brushes with authority, as well as team-mates, during his playing career.
Bellamy traces it back to his early days at Norwich, when he spent time away from his family back in Cardiff.
He added: "When I was at Norwich I found it really difficult to be far away from family when I was so young.
"I missed Christmas and birthdays. I didn't always have great relationships with the families I lodged with.
"You can say I had problems with my behaviour very early.
"I'm from Cardiff and for me, Cardiff is Wales.
"Beyond that it's something else - countryside, it's green.
"Outside Cardiff, you are Welsh without really being Welsh.
"A guy like John Hartson speaks Welsh and has loads of tattoos to prove he's Welsh.
"But I'm telling you there are not many blokes who are more Welsh than me."
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