New Manchester City signing Craig Bellamy has revealed how manager Mark Hughes played a major role in making his decision to join the club.

Bellamy has worked with Hughes at Blackburn and with the Welsh national squad and is excited about being involved with him once again.

"It (Hughes and his coaching team) was a big factor, because they are people that I have worked with since I was 18," Bellamy told the club's official website.

"They know me better than anybody-else in the football game, and they are people I completely trust in.

"They have progressed me massively, and I owe them a lot. The added bonus is that it's Manchester City and the way it is going at the moment with possibly one or two more players coming in over the top of me.

"I'm fortunate that this opportunity has come along, and I am grateful. I feel I am at my peak and I hope over the next few years to perform really well here."