Brendan Rodgers would ‘love’ Craig Bellamy to stay at Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers is keen to keep Craig Bellamy at Liverpool next season.

The 32-year-old striker netted nine goals in 33 appearances for the Reds last term after returning from a loan spell at Cardiff City.

Bellamy has been linked with a move back to the Welsh club in recent weeks but new Anfield boss Rodgers is convinced the forward still has plenty to offer his side.

“I had a really positive chat with Craig on Monday,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo. “It was good to meet him and get his side of the Liverpool story. He’s a big supporter of this club – he loves the club.

“He’s a good guy. He has a real passion for Liverpool Football Club and that’s the type of people I want here.

“I like his intensity, his work-rate and his passion so I would love him to be here. It would take a really special and unique opportunity for Craig to walk out of Liverpool and for us to go our separate ways.

“If anything changes on that from a personal perspective then him and I will talk about that.”

Rodgers also hinted at the possibility of extending the Welshman’s contract beyond next season.

“Craig is off now for the Olympics but we have promised to keep in touch,” Rodgers continued. “He’s obviously got a year left on his contract and going forward we will discuss more where he’s at.

“This week was really just a formal introduction. Of those who aren’t back, I’ve spoken to a lot of players over the phone and met one or two. In particular the senior players I’m keen to chat to and meet with.

“Craig and I had a really good chat about football in general. He has probably seen closer more than anyone at the club how I worked down at Swansea.

“He was very complimentary about that work and thinks I’ll be a perfect fit for here.”

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