Craig Bellamy wants to be 'one of the greatest managers to have ever lived'

The Cardiff City striker is looking beyond his playing career

Craig Bellamy today said he wants to become “one of the greatest managers to have ever lived” once he finishes playing.

The 33-year old has played for nine different clubs in a controversial career and is currently spearheading Cardiff City’s promotion push to the Premier League. But the striker is planning well beyond next season.

The Welsh international told the Evening Standard: “I am reading the biography of Pep Guardiola. I find it really interesting. I’m going to take a big time out and visit people like Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao. I have a huge affection for him.”

“There is no one better than Jose Mourinho for how he cherishes his players and their affection for him is unique.

“I want to become one of the greatest managers that has ever lived. Why not? If it doesn’t happen, then I’ve given everything and I’d be proud of whatever I’m able to achieve."

Bellamy, who made his debut in 1996, has frequently hit the headlines for the wrong reasons during a colourful career, but the former Liverpool player is adamant that those incidents have not dented his enthusiasm. This largely in thanks to his psychiatrist Steve Peters

He said: “Sometimes I would jump into situations without thinking. I’d say things which lead you into the wrong situation and trouble. Now, I do not react like that at all.

"He (Peters) introduced me to a new world about enjoying who I am and looking at the positive parts of life, instead of beating yourself up and putting yourself into situations that you end up regretting. So you have to look back and say, yeah, I’ve had a great career, I’ve worked so hard to get where I have, why obsess about injuries, about certain situations that you have no control over? Why let that destroy your life?”

Bellamy also spoke about Tottenham’s Gareth Bale, who has become one of the most sought-after players in world football. The 71-times capped Bellamy said: ““He is an exceptional footballer who is really excelling. He’s a natural athlete, an all-round incredible, intelligent footballer who could play in any position. Will he get better? I don’t know. He’s still only 23. Who knows what will happen in the next couple of years.”