Terry Venables believes Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini gaffed allowing Craig Bellamy to leave in August.
Bellamy has been flying on-loan at Cardiff City this season.
In his column for The Sun, Venables wrote: "... I can't help thinking that letting Bellamy go on loan to Cardiff could come back to haunt him. Along with Carlos Tevez, Wales' firebrand striker was one of the star performers at Eastlands last season, bagging 12 goals and countless assists.
"Despite all of City's big-money buys, I was looking forward to seeing the front pair's partnership develop further this season.
"But that privilege was denied when Bellamy was sent to the Bluebirds in August after reports of an alleged bust-up with his boss.
"We all know the player's previous. But, whatever brush you tar him with, he is a good striker - too good for the Championship.
"Both of those qualities were evident at Elland Road on Monday when Bellamy was too hot for Leeds in Cardiff's 4-0 romp.
"His move down a division has done nothing to dampen his desire. With the Bluebirds' points already in the bag, Bellamy could be seen berating a team-mate in the final stages.
"It is obviously his rumoured berating of Mancini that cost the player his place in the Premier League this season.
"And while I don't know the full details of what went on, I do know it is a shame for the star, City and the game that a forward of his calibre is not plying his trade in the top flight."
