Craig Bellamy 'honoured' to return to Liverpool

Bellamy spent last season in the Championship with Cardiff (GETTY IMAGES)

New Liverpool signing Craig Bellamy admits he could not turn down the chance to rejoin the Reds and work with boyhood hero Kenny Dalglish.

The 32-year-old Wales international signed a two-year contract late last night with the club he left four years ago after just 12 months.

When he departed Rafael Benitez, with whom he had an awkward relationship, was still in charge but now with a new era well under way with Dalglish the former Manchester City forward could not wait to move back to Merseyside.

"I've grown up with Kenny Dalglish, now to be signed by him is a massive honour," he said.

"This is an exciting time. When Kenny took over, watching as a fan last season I got the buzz as well and it was great to see Liverpool end the season well.

"To every Liverpool fan, Kenny is probably the best player ever to pull on the red shirt so that speaks for itself.

"He was the first player-manager to do the double and just how he conducted himself really (made a difference).

"I know we've had bits of success since then but the club hasn't been the same since he left, so to come back in and be a part of this with the players who are here - it's a good time."

Bellamy spent last season on loan with npower Championship side Cardiff after being frozen out by City boss Roberto Mancini and with a year left on his contract it appeared he was set for more frustration until Liverpool made their move.

And while there is huge competition for places after a summer of significant investment the forward is keen to show fans what night have been had he stayed longer in is first spell.

"I'm very happy. It's been a long couple of months, I had to be patient and believe something like this could happen," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"It looks so familiar to me and to be part of it is such a huge honour.

"I get this opportunity again for Liverpool fans to hopefully see a real good side of me on a playing level.

"I know what I have to do to play in this team, so this should be a good time.

"The Liverpool team when I first signed is a lot different to the Liverpool side of the last couple of years so we need to get back into the Champions League and look to push the club on from there again.

"For me, the players they've signed this summer, there has been a lot of British which takes me back to when I started watching Liverpool."