Craig Bellamy departed for Cardiff today with a slew of compliments for those he left behind at City.

The Wales international admitted that there was some sentiment in signing a year-long loan deal with his hometown club but was eager to tell anyone who would listen that he took with him nothing but pride in having played for the Blues.

He referred to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Garry Cook great men, labelled Roberto Mancini a top manager and tipped the Premier League trophy to be sitting in the City of Manchester Stadium within a couple of seasons.

“There is nothing’s difficult about this (move). I had the greatest time at Manchester City at a great period in their history. Khaldoon and Garry are two great men,” he told a press conference marking his arrival in the Principality.

“I was bought by City to take the club on to the next stage and I feel I played a big part in doing that. The players they’re signing are incredible. It is a great moment for the club.

“The next couple of years I’m sure they’ll get the Premier League title, and I hope they do.

“There is no ill feeling. I hope Roberto Mancini does well; he is a top manager.”