Manchester City new-boy Craig Bellamy has denied allegations he went on strike in order to move away from West Ham. "I can't for the life of me understand where it comes from," said the 29 year old.

"Maybe in the past I have gone down routes I shouldn't have and maybe I deserve what happened. But while I don't want to disappoint too many people, this completely did not happen.

"I had a great relationship with Zola and I left West Ham on probably the best terms I have ever done.

"We get on really well and I spoke to him after they beat Hartlepool on Saturday.

"I have so much respect for him as a person because he wanted to improve me and keep pushing me. I know West Ham put out a statement saying I didn't go on strike but it just falls on deaf ears."