Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy believes his injury-plagued past means he has only "one or two years at the most" left in the game.
The 30-year-old forward is currently trying to shake off a groin injury which saw him miss Wales' 3-0 friendly win over Scotland at the weekend, as he desperately tries to regain fitness in time for City's trip to Liverpool on Saturday.
Bellamy has been blighted by injuries during his 13-year professional career, with his knees proving particularly troublesome, and has been forced to have a number of operations - including career saving surgery with US specialist Richard Steadman.
The City ace is realistic about his future in the game, but insists that he finally feels settled as a player and is enjoying his football more than ever.
"I know there aren't four or five years ahead of me with the injuries that I've had," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"Maybe I've got one or two years at the most and it'll be all over before I know it, so I'm just enjoying it.
"The last few months have given me a huge sense of pride. I think people have seen what I am as a player now.
"I have always got goals in my career, but am I a one-goal-in-two-games player? No, I'm not, but my career has been one-in-three, which is not too bad."
Bellamy has been part of the new-look City team that has made an excellent start to the Premier League season, as they look to push the top four and earn a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The Welshman has kept his place in the side despite the influx of big-name signings such as Robinho and Emmanuel Adebayor, and has bagged five goals so far this term.


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Your Comments
mcfc_psychology (Manchester City fan)
"What on earth are these fans of other clubs going on about? Typical ignorant posts of people who base their opinions on what is written in tabloids. For example: jgn_1982 (Aston Villa fan)posted: "you are a disgrace and deserve none of the golden opportunities you have had in life". You apparently know nothing of what Craig Bellamy has done with the opportunities he has had - he is one of the most charitable and hard working men in football, having set up the Craig Bellamy foundation to help children in Sierra Leone, the likes of which is the epitome of making the most of your opportunities; for the good of others"
skinner (West Ham United fan)
"can't imagine anyone being to disappointed to see the back of him"
clarkeeee (Manchester United fan)
"Does anyone else think Tevez and Bellamy have looked at their swelling bank accounts and are thinking "you know what, I don't need to do this anymore"? "
jgn_1982 (Aston Villa fan)
"im literally counting down the days craig....you are a disgrace and deserve none of the golden opportunities you have had in life.....make me sick"
rogue84 (York City fan)
"any tears shed???? nooooooooo"
joec8 (Sheffield Wednesday fan)
"It's a shame Bellamy is such a thug. He is a quality player who could play at the top leve for years if his fitness relied on it.
He's not the toughest of thugs though. Pushing that United fan in the face when he was being restrained by stewards. What a badass."
Blu_KB (Manchester City fan)
"key1982 - keep talking about us, go on.....its funny"
Iranian_Scouser (Liverpool fan)
"I think City would have liked to have been told this before they spent £15 odd million on you mate!"
key1982 (Manchester United fan)
"First Tevez, now Bellamy talks of retirement. I can understand though, playing for City will bring you down so low and the shame of playing for such muppets, that retirement becomes an option!"
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