Bellamy 'committed' to Wales after Burnley talks

Craig Bellamy says he remains committed to Wales, insisting it was his decision to turn down a summer approach from Burnley.

Bellamy held talks with the Championship club over replacing Scott Parker following the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League.

The Football Association of Wales granted permission for Bellamy to speak to Burnley in June after they triggered a compensation clause.

The 47-year-old admitted the approach was "flattering" as he considered quitting his national post two years into a four year deal.

But he said he was "comfortable" turning down the chance to return to club football and reiterated his desire to lead Wales at a home European Championships in 2028.

"I had a decision to make and I made it," Bellamy said.

"It didn't break down. I said no, it's not for me. That was it. There was no walk away from discussions. It wasn't for me.

"I made the decision to stay because this is the right place for me.

"We had a conversation but I was already in a role and this (Wales) was what I wanted.

"It was flattering – we all like our ego being exercised and being wanted – but for me, my partner, my kids, this is the place and we didn't see anything else being able to move that."

Speaking as he named his 28-man squad for Nations League A games with Portugal, Denmark and Norway, it was the first time Bellamy has faced questions over the summer speculation over his future.

Having spent a successful period at Turf Moor as Vincent Kompany's assistant, Bellamy suggested his respect for his former club prompted him to hold conversations over the vacancy.

Still, the uncertainty prompted a number of former players to suggest he would have to win over fans.

Some supporters also voiced disappointment at the events that came just weeks after he had insisted he "was not going anywhere".

"I know how it could be seen, but I've only one person I have anything to prove to, and that's me," said Bellamy, who missed out on the chance on leading Wales to the 2026 World Cup after a penalty shoot-out defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina in March's play-offs.

"I'm comfortable with the decision I've made. I've always been committed in everything I do and that hasn't changed.

"Now, winning people over? I don't know, that's the honest truth."

After a highly impressive start to his time with Wales after replacing Rob Page in 2024, including an unbeaten promotion to the top flight of the Nations League, there has been criticism over the failure to reach the World Cup in the most recent campaign.

Bellamy stressed the importance of results and said the "volatility" of the managerial world meant he couldn't offer guarantees of whether he would see out his contract.

But asked whether he still aimed of being in charge of Wales at Euro 2028 with the prospect of games in Cardiff, Bellamy said: "Oh, I'd love to - but that's two years from now. Nothing's guaranteed. I'm no different, I'm not more special than anyone else (in management)."

Bellamy's focus is on the upcoming Nations League in which Wales face three sides placed higher than them in the world rankings, starting with a trip to take on Portugal – and potentially Cristiano Ronaldo – in Lisbon.

Bellamy admits the change to the format that will see four games in 11 days test his squad, with injuries robbing him of first-choice centre-back pairing Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor.

Bellamy said Wales "will have to work with what we've got" but that he was excited by the challenge for a new-look coaching team that will include former Swansea City manager Alan Sheehan and ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams.

"I've tried for ages to get Ash to commit," Bellamy said of the Match of the Day pundit.

"He's managed to hold off one or two other things for the time being and help us.

"For me, in my time, he's been our greatest captain. He's a leader and young players are definitely going to learn a lot, but also the senior players as well. He'll be a big, big help to the group so I'm really looking forward to working with both of them."