Craig Bellamy insists no one should question his commitment to Wales after talking to Burnley in the summer about their managerial vacancy.
Bellamy seemed set to return to Burnley – where he worked as Vincent Kompany’s assistant between 2022 and 2024 – after being granted permission by the Football Association of Wales to speak to the Clarets.
The 47-year-old eventually chose to stay with Wales, although many Dragons’ fans remain upset with him for talking to the Championship club at all after describing his role as ‘the best job in the world’.
But boss Bellamy, who had high-profile run-ins with managers and clubs over playing for Wales during his injury-hit career, said: “Look, I think trust, commitment… because I’ve had that thrown (at me) as well.
“I think my body of work over the years, I don’t think I need to say too much about that.
“My commitment has always been there and I’ve proven that over the years.
“I had to go and get solicitors’ letters from independent people because the club were trying to tell me not to play, can’t play, we’re going to sue you if you do play.
“So I had to get independent solicitors letters to make sure I was able to play for Wales. I haven’t seen anyone else do that.”
Bellamy also said he had never claimed a single penny on expenses to play for Wales – and even donated money to support Wrexham years ago during their financial troubles.
He said: “We can talk about paying for myself to play. I’ve never once claimed an expense on Wales, not now, not when I was a player – ever.
“I don’t see it like that, I never do that. Wales is more important, way more important to me.
“I charge you for me travelling here? No, I do this for free.
“I still do it now. I’ve never put in an expense, never will, because this is not an expense.
“Wrexham going out of the Football League? I donated money to Wrexham, they stay in the league.
“So my commitment with Wales, I don’t believe I have to ever try and win anyone over with that.”
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