Craig relishing the City challenge

Craig
Bellamy has completed his transfer to Manchester City on Tuesday
evening, and mcfc.co.uk spoke to him straight away to get his thoughts
on joining the Blues

MCFC.co.uk: How much of an influence was Mark Hughes and his coaching team in your decision to come to City?

CB:
It was a big factor, because they are people that I have worked with
since I was 18. They know me better than anybody-else in the football
game, and they are people I completely trust in. They have progressed
me massively, and I owe them a lot. The added bonus is that it's
Manchester City and the way it is going at the moment with possibly one
or two more players coming in over the top of me. I'm fortunate that
this opportunity has come along, and I am grateful. I feel I am at my
peak and I hope over the next few years to perform really well here.

MCFC.co.uk: We’re still in Europe this season, but how exciting are the manager’s and the club’s ambitions for the future?

CB:
I think it is going to be incredible here over the next couple of
years. It's not just for me, you speak to anyone in the Premier League
and they would want to come to Manchester City. It's rare for that to
happen outside of the top four, but I think there are a lot of players
who would like to come to this Club. I've been given that opportunity,
there are other players who would love it, and so it is up to me to
make the most of it. This really is a Club that in the next couple of
years is going to be incredible. There are so many things happening
here that are out of this world, for me to be part of it was an offer
that I just could not walk away from.

MCFC.co.uk: Having worked with the coaches here before, are you expecting to hit the ground running in training?

CB:
Yes, it's perfect. In this transfer window, you only have one month and
it's not great either for clubs trying to buy players, or for players
themselves. I have to get my mind set on Manchester City straight away
and focus on getting as many points as possible between now and the end
of the season. I'd like a good run in the UEFA Cup as well, so for me I
will be trying to hit the ground with people like Mark Bowen and the
other coaches. That will make it a lot easier, and it was a big factor
in why I joined.

MCFC.co.uk: And you’ve been in good form of late, so you will be looking to pick up again straight away?

CB:
I had a long lay-off last year, and then did not get going until
October because of an injury I got in pre-season. My form has been
really good, but that final little bit was just lacking. I was unlucky,
hitting the post a few times but my performances were at a high level.
But when the goals go in as well, that gets you noticed. I am in the
best form I have been in for a while, so if I can keep that going then
City will get to see it.

MCFC.co.uk: Do you know any of your new team mates?

CB:
I don't think you need to know people personally, but I have been in
the Premier League for a number of years and I have played against
quite a few of the lads here. There are some outstanding players here,
and maybe one or two more might come in to add to what is already a
very good squad.