Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has stated that one of his biggest regrets has been the inability to work with Craig Bellamy. The former Liverpool striker is currently playing for Cardiff City and he is unlikely to join a club like Liverpool once again.

He spent a couple of seasons at the club in two spells, but left the Reds in the summer of the 2011-12 season. This was when Rodgers came to the club to replace Roy Hodgson. Rodgers has since taken Liverpool to new heights, while Bellamy has been playing with Cardiff for the last few seasons.

The 34-year-old is approaching the end of his career, but Rodgers has revealed that he tried to keep him at the club when he came in 2012. Bellamy had more than 12 months left on his contract, but he was not interested in staying at Liverpool due to ‘other reasons’, which have not been revealed by Rodgers. The Liverpool manager has praised the Welsh international by saying that he is the ultimate professional. Over the years, Bellamy has had a few enemies due to his opening remarks, but Rodgers appreciates the Welshman for the same.

According to him, there are few players who would be honest and hard-working as Bellamy. The 41-year-old Irishman has been able to take Liverpool to the top of the table this season.

"It's one of my only regrets, really, that I never got the chance to work with Craig. I've followed him in his career right the way through; an outstanding player, very honest, speaks his mind, but is an ultimate professional. He always prepares himself well. He's given his life to being a footballer. He's a big Liverpool supporter and did very, very well here,” said Rodgers, whose team take on Manchester City this weekend looking to remain top.