Craig Bellamy has revealed he rejected the opportunity to become Burnley's manager this summer, choosing instead to continue his role with the Wales national team. The 47-year-old stated his decision was based on feeling that the Wales job is "the right place for me," adding, "I’ve never moved for money, I’ve never done anything for money and I ain’t going to change now."
Bellamy, who previously served as an assistant at Burnley under Vincent Kompany and took caretaker charge, was among the candidates for the Championship club, which ultimately appointed Nicky Hayen. Burnley had been granted permission to hold talks with Bellamy after a release clause in his Wales contract was triggered.
The former player is now preparing to lead Wales in the Nations League, with their first of four upcoming matches being an away trip to Portugal next Thursday. Bellamy also disclosed that he spent a week in intensive care last summer due to a ruptured appendix.
In squad news, Leeds defender Joe Rodon is absent from Bellamy's squad for the upcoming matches against Portugal, Norway, and Denmark due to a hamstring issue. However, his clubmate Jayden Lienou has received a call-up, as has Cardiff City's 21-year-old forward Cian Ashford for the first time.