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Bellamy 'committed' to Wales after Burnley talks

Wales manager Craig Bellamy has confirmed he personally rejected an offer to take charge of Burnley, despite holding discussions following their drop into the Championship. The 47-year-old previously worked at Turf Moor serving as Vincent Kompany's second-in-command, and the Football Association of Wales permitted him to speak with the Clarets once a buyout fee was met in June regarding their managerial vacancy after Scott Parker.

While acknowledging the inquiry boosted his ego and caused him to weigh leaving midway through his four-year agreement, Bellamy decided alongside his family that staying in his current position was the best path forward, continuing his desire to oversee Wales during the 2028 European Championships on home soil.

Speaking publicly about the situation while announcing a 28-player group to face Norway, Portugal, and Denmark in Nations League A, Bellamy acknowledged the frustration from supporters after earlier claiming he intended to stay put. Bellamy initially took the helm from Rob Page in 2024, quickly guiding the side through an undefeated promotional push into the top tier of the Nations League.

However, scrutiny followed after his team failed to make the 2026 World Cup due to a penalty shootout loss against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the March play-offs. Although he hopes to guide the country when Cardiff hosts tournament matches in two years, Bellamy conceded that the unpredictable nature of football coaching means no long-term assurances can ever be made.