Goal.com

Jul 31, 2012 10:24:00 AM

Liverpool attacker admits that the Games are not a personal highlight for footballers but believes the lack of stress may benefit the squad as they chase Olympic gold

Craig Bellamy has admitted he does not feel under pressure representing Team GB at the Olympic Games, as it is not the pinnacle of his career.

The Welshman has been one of Great Britain's top performers at the Games so far and insists that while he will always look to play well, the tournament do not mean as much to him as they might for an athlete who trains specifically for the Olympics.

"Of course I’m competitive," he told The Daily Telegraph. "Of course we want to do well, but some of these guys have been focusing for four years for this event. It could take 10 seconds, it could take four minutes and it decides their fate for another four years.

"It’s a lot of pressure and it makes me cherish the job I am in as I don’t have to put myself through the stress they put themselves under.

"Playing football day in day out is the pinnacle for me. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friendly. I am fortunate to play this game. I cherish every moment."

Team GB will face Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday in their final Group A clash, needing just a point to progress and Cardiff-born Bellamy is excited to feature in his home city.

"I am from Cardiff so it will be special," the 33-year-old added. "It will bring it home to me really where I have come from in my career.

"I was very fortunate to watch rugby and concerts here and very fortunate to play for my country here. It never ceases to amaze me this stadium.

"I had a great time in Manchester, loved living there. London was just immense. But to me Cardiff is just a fitting place to play our last group game but hopefully it won’t be the last."

Bellamy's Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez will lead the line for La Celeste and the winger has warned that containing the slippery striker will be key if Stuart Pearce's side are to get a result.

"He is such a good player," said Bellamy. "Luis can create something out of nothing. You may think he is going down a dead end but he will chop it past someone or put it through someone’s legs.

"He has that spark and that makes him so dangerous. He has such a big heart. He will chase down and run. I have been very fortunate to train with him day in day out, but also even more fortunate to play with the boy as well. He is a special talent."

The 33-year-old has hailed the experience of featuring at London 2012 and hopes that other players will get the chance to experience the Olympics, despite the unlikely event that a British side do enter future Games.

He added: "Would I like other players to get this opportunity? Of course I would. But with qualification, how would that go?

"I feel this is probably the last time this will happen which would be a shame. I have gained so much from this competition."

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