Craig Bellamy may retire from active football

Bellamy playing for Wales against Macedonia

Cardiff City forward Craig Bellamy has hinted at retirement at the end of the current football season. BBC Sport reports.

The 34-year-old made his 75th appearance for Wales in a 2-1 defeat to Macedonia.

“My mood does change… I know I could change what I’m thinking,” said Bellamy.

“But the way I’m feeling now, it could be my last season in football. I have so much to look forward to after football.”

He added: “Life isn’t just about football. The adventure starts when you finish and I’m looking forward to that.

“I’ve been playing at a professional level for 17, 18 years now and there’s more to life. I love the game, don’t get me wrong, I’ve cherished every moment of it.”

The Wales international previously stated that he could quit football after Wales complete their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Bellamy thinks that Wales has a bright football future with rising stars like Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Jonathan Williams waiting in the wings. Wales have only managed to win two of their qualifying matches, both versus Scotland.

The ex-Manchester City man may go back on his decision to quit, but does not want to extend his international career due to the player wanting to spend more time with his children.

“I really want this group to succeed, but it’s a two-year period to qualify and if I start (the campaign) then step aside, it is robbing someone else of two or four matches, of vital experience, and they would miss out as well.

“That’s the way I’m looking at it. I honestly think Wales have a great chance of doing something, but I’ve thought about it really hard.

“It’s difficult. I’m a single parent now and I’m having such a battle to see my kids on a daily basis. It’s so hard. Then, being away for 10 days. I’m not the only dad who has to go through it, but if you have experienced it then you would understand.”

Bellamy confessed that he wants to try his hand at management once he retires from the game.

“I’ve got my A licence already, then I’m doing my pro-licence,” he said.

“After that, I’m going to travel around the world – Spain, Argentina – and learn my craft. I don’t just want to go in and mess about. When I go in, I’m going to be prepared and I’m going to stay in.”

The striker has had a distinguished career representing clubs like Newcastle United, Celtic. Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Manchester City and Liverpool