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Craig Bellamy rules out Wales retirement

Bellamy rules out Wales retirement
© PA Photos
Wales and Cardiff striker rules out retiring from international football having been recalled to the squad for Wednesday's friendly against Austria.

Wales and Cardiff City striker Craig Bellamy has ruled out retiring from international football.

Bellamy was something of a surprise call-up to Chris Coleman's squad for Wednesday's friendly against Austria, having not featured for his country since last August.

The 33-year-old's Wales future was called into question following the tragic death of former manager Gary Speed, but Bellamy claims that he is addicted to playing for his country.

"I have always tried to stay as quiet as possible on [my international future]. I am a firm believer you don't retire. If I had felt like that a few months ago and I had retired, what would have happened if I had then wanted to come back? It is best to keep quiet and see where you are in your mind," said Bellamy.

"First and foremost you need to be fit and I am. I am enjoying my football and it's another game for me and it is an added bonus that it involves playing for my country. I have to take it as it comes, if I feel as I do now then it should not be a problem.

"I am enjoying my football at the moment and how everything is going and it's another chance to represent my country. There is no bigger honour, it's a drug and it's why I am here. It's my national team."

Bellamy has won 70 caps for his country, scoring 19 goals.

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