Bellamy wants to be a top manager

Craig Bellamy says he wants to become ‘one of the greatest managers that has ever lived’ when his playing career is over.

The 33-year-old Cardiff City forward has enjoyed a fruitful professional career which has included spells at Newcastle, Manchester City and Liverpool, and hopes to learn from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Marcelo Bielsa to become a success in management.

“I am reading the biography of Pep Guardiola, I find it really interesting,” he told the Evening Standard.

“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’s Cardiff side are five points clear at the top of the Championship with a game in hand on second-placed Watford as they look to secure promotion to the Premier League.