Craig Bellamy

Of course I want to keep playing; that's the best thing for any footballer. But I'm looking forward to not having to put my body through the pain, I have to say. ”

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

I felt bad for Newcastle when they lost their 2005 FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United. They had loaned me out to Celtic, but I still had a lot of affection for them. ”

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. ”

I can understand failure: I've failed loads of times in my life; it's not a problem. I've never feared it, because it's a part of life. ”

I joined Norwich when I was 15 and moved away from a life living on an estate in Cardiff and everything I knew. I moved away from my girlfriend, who is my wife now, and my nan, who has now passed away. I missed a lot. ”

I started to realise I am not as strong as others, and I can't muscle someone off the ball who is twice the size of me. So I have altered my game, playing on the half-turn, for example, and it's made me a much better player. ”

First and foremost, I am concentrating on staying fit. If I'm fit, I can challenge. If I ain't fit, I can't challenge. ”

I believe I have a lot to offer when I finish football as well. I always said I didn't want to become a manager, but I changed that view. ”

I have had my eyes opened to a different side to me. I'm a much happier person. There was always this Jekyll and Hyde thing with me. ”