īFormer Toon star Craig Bellamy insists he dare not risk breaking down with injury again at a crucial time for West Ham and Wales.
The Wales skipper has been forced out of the two World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan on Saturday in Cardiff and next Wednesday away to Russia in Moscow.
Bellamy Insists īDonīt Doubt My Commitment!
By Nu Mad
Updated Wednesday, 3rd September 2008
It is a bitter blow for Wales boss John Toshack but Bellamy claims his recent injuries have been a major concern ... and no-one can doubt his commitment to his country.
Bellamy: "I have to be fully fit, I cannot risk breaking down again.
"Me, West Ham and Wales all discussed what was the best thing to do.
"It was agreed that it would be best for me to stay behind at West Ham to continue my recovery from the hamstring injury.
"We all shared the same view that I stayed behind for more treatment.
"The hamstring was a little tight on Saturday and that was why I only played for 20 minutes. It still felt tight after the match.
"So after working so hard during the summer to get fit, I did not want to risk breaking down again because I'd come back and done too much too soon.
"No-one can doubt my commitment to my country. I do not want to miss two crucial matches, but if I am careful and patient, I am sure I will be raring to go for the next two internationals in October.
"At this stage of my career I want to be able to play to the best of my ability and give my all. To do that I need to be fully fit."
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