Manchester City are paying Craig Bellamy £70,000-a-week to play for Cardiff City.

The Daily Star says the move to his hometown club has been heavily subsidised by City, who were desperate not to face him on the field this season.

Spurs and Fulham were both in the hunt for Bellamy.

But he confirmed yesterday he has not given up a penny of his £90,000-a-week wages - despite dropping down a division to a club that has been battling financial troubles.

His image rights payments are also still being paid by City.

Bellamy said: "Was I willing to sacrifice money? No.

"You would have to speak to Manchester City about the details. It is not true I have given up image rights payments. I have a foundation in Africa and my image rights pay for that. It is very important. I have a responsibility to 61 kids who need me day-in and day-out to live basically off that.

"Manchester City understand that completely and that wasn't a problem."