Craig Bellamy has insisted remaining with Wales was the correct decision after rejecting the chance to take over at Burnley.
The Turf Moor club had appeared on the verge of appointing Bellamy as their head coach in June, having been granted permission by the Football Association of Wales to enter into talks.
However, the 47-year-old opted to remain in charge of the national side, a role he took up in the summer of 2024.
“I worked two years there and had a good relationship with them,” said Bellamy, who spent 2022 to 2024 as Vincent Kompany’s assistant at Turf Moor.
“It was flattering – we all like our ego being exercised and being wanted – but for me, my partner, my kids, this is the place and we didn’t see anything else being able to move that.
“For them to progress the conversation and speak to me even further, they had to do what Wales had done with them.
“They had to get permission from Burnley and then we had a conversation. Burnley got into the conversation with Wales because you have to do it right.
“I then had a decision to make and I made the decision to stay. I spoke to Noel (Mooney, chief executive) and then I spoke to Burnley. It was as simple as that.”
Despite Bellamy turning down the offer, some Wales supporters were left disappointed that he chose to hold talks with the Sky Bet Championship side.
The manager had previously labelled the Wales job as “the best job in the world”, stating his intent to see out his contract and take his nation to Euro 2028.
He said: “I haven’t spoken about this before and I know there was a lot said about ‘the best job in the world’. Every job I am at is the best job in the world.
“I can’t control the narrative and what goes on after that. Nor do I ever want to get involved in trying to control it. Let it be.
“I think I’ve always shown people respect. I know the game, what comes in and what gets said. But the one person you have anything to prove to is yourself.
“I’ve never moved from anything I’ve ever done for money, and I’m not going to change now.
“I’m comfortable with the decision I’ve made and I’ve always been committed in everything I do. That hasn’t changed. Winning people over? I don’t know, that’s the honest truth.”
Wales start their Nations League campaign with demanding away fixtures against Portugal and Denmark, beginning in Lisbon on 24 September before visiting Copenhagen three days later.
They then return to Cardiff for home matches against Norway and Denmark in early October.
Bellamy emphasised the necessity of securing results, adding that the “volatility” of football management prevented him from giving guarantees about fulfilling his contract.
Asked if his ambition remained to lead Wales at Euro 2028, given the possibility of playing matches in Cardiff, Bellamy said: “Oh, I’d love to – but that’s two years from now.
“Nothing’s guaranteed. I’m no different, I’m not more special than anyone else (in management).”
