Craig Bellamy

I have so much to look forward to after football.

I've been playing at a professional level for 17, 18 years now, and there's more to life. I love the game, don't get me wrong - I've cherished every moment of it.

Life isn't just about football. The adventure starts when you finish, and I'm looking forward to that.

I'm aware of my value as a player, of course. But do I need to buy a holiday home that I'm only going to use two weeks every year? Course not. It's a waste. Why not give the money to people who could do with it.

I've always had this crazy thought that I have to win something; otherwise, my career's a complete failure. It's ridiculous. Will a trophy change me as a person? No. Will it make me a better player? No. So what the hell am I worried about?

The lads I played football with on the street when I was a kid in Cardiff were as good as me, and in many ways, my career is due to them.