Bellamy Resigns As Anderlecht Assistant Manager Over Mental Health Problems
Former Wales forward Craig Bellamy has stepped down from his position as Anderlecht’s assistant manager to deal with his mental health issues.
Bellamy has been open about his battles with depression in the past and announced to the Anderlecht playing body on Sunday after their 7-2 win over Mechelen that he will be stepping down from his position.
The 42-year-old initially joined Anderlecht as their u-21 manager in the summer of 2019 but stepped up as an assistant to former Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany in the senior team earlier this year.
A statement on Anderlecht's website on Sunday read: "Assistant coach Craig Bellamy will leave the coaching staff of RSC Anderlecht on Monday.
"Bellamy already struggled with mental problems in the past and these have resurfaced again recently.
"With his departure, the Brit took a very difficult, but absolutely necessary decision concerning his health.
"Bellamy said goodbye to the players in the dressing room on Sunday afternoon after the 7-2 victory against KV Mechelen."
Anderlecht manager Kompany added: "Craig has long struggled with his mental health. Now the monster is back there.
"Health is above football. We are obligated to give him the chance to get well."
In an illustrious playing career, Bellamy represented the likes of Newcastle United, Liverpool, Celtic, Manchester City and West Ham United among others. He won 78 caps for the Welsh national team, scoring 19 goals.
