Bellamy struggling to cope with loss of Speed

Cardiff City striker Craig Bellamy has revealed he is struggling to come to terms with the death of ‘best mate’ Gary Speed.

The then-Wales manager was found hanged at his Cheshire home in November 2011.

And Bellamy, who played with Speed at Newcastle United and for the national team, admits he is still coming to terms with his loss.

“Losing my best mate has affected everything,” Bellamy told the Sunday Mirror. “I can’t believe how hard it is. It has had an effect on everything.

“He was the best mate I’ve ever had. All I know is that my best mate has gone. I’m struggling. I can’t lie.”

The 33-year-old, who left Liverpool to join his hometown club during the transfer window for family reasons, also revealed that his marriage has broken down over the incident.

“It’s sad but unfortunately it got to my marriage. I’m here and she’s there,” Bellamy said. “I don’t know if that’s it for us. I’ve been living on my own for eight weeks now.

“There’s no-one else involved. I wish there was. I wish I had someone and I wish she (Claire) had someone. That would make it easier.

“It’s hit me hard. It’s nothing to do with football and it’s nothing to do with me as a footballer. I couldn’t give a s*** about football.

“It’s about real people, human beings, kids and families. I can’t tell you how hard it is. It’s the worst time in my life ever.”