The 31-year-old Wales international has agreed to drop down a division and sign for his hometown club after being frozen out at Eastlands by manager Roberto Mancini. Tottenham, Sunderland and Fulham were linked with Bellamy but City did not want the striker joining one of their Premier League rivals. A statement on Manchester City's official website read: "Manchester City can confirm that Craig Bellamy has agreed to join Championship club Cardiff City on a season-long loan. "He will be officially unveiled in south Wales later today and, subject to Premier League and Football League ratification, will join up with Dave Jones' side in time to make his debut at home to Doncaster Rovers at the weekend." Bellamy announced his joy at completing the move, saying: "I'm thrilled to be coming back home to Cardiff and am excited at the prospect of wearing the shirt and playing for the club I've supported since I was a boy. "I'll be working hard with my new team-mates to bring success to the club and look forward to our next Championship game on Saturday. "I'm sure that all City fans will play their part in driving us forward this year. "It has been my dream to play my part in taking my hometown club to the Premier League, which would be fantastic for the football club, the city of Cardiff and Wales." Bluebirds boss Dave Jones said: "Bringing Craig to Cardiff is another big step in the development of this football club and I am delighted that he has agreed to join us on a season-long loan. "Like recent additions Jason Koumas and Seyi Olofinjana, Craig is a great talent and adds to the quality players that we have here. "We will continue to work on taking the next steps as a club and hope that all Cardiff City supporters join us in welcoming Craig by turning up in high numbers this season." Mancini did not rule out the possibility of Bellamy playing for him again. "I am happy for him. I hope that for him it will be a good season," said Mancini. "It's his choice. but I hope for him it will be a fantastic season in Cardiff, it's his home. "I think it's a good choice for him, his family is there." Asked if Bellamy might have a future at Eastlands after his loan spell in Wales, Mancini added: "I don't know, in football anything can happen."
