Craig Bellamy will probably not be a huge favourite among Newcastle United fans after they hear his latest comments.

The retired forward, who spent four years at St James’ Park during his career, has claimed that the North-East club thinks that it is bigger than it really is.

The Welshman made his point by reliving a memory of when a local radio station debated on why Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho opted to join Barcelona instead of Newcastle.

While speaking to beIN Sports, Bellamy said:

“I remember there was a debate, Ronaldinho was leaving Paris Saint-Germain to go to Barcelona but there was an interest from Newcastle. There was a two-hour debate on a radio up there, how they couldn’t believe he choose Barcelona over Newcastle.

“I was listening to it and still couldn’t get my head round it. Is this a joke here? It wasn’t. Then I sort of knew myself then that this club thinks that it is a little bit further up than what it really is.”

Newcastle have spent this season in the Championship after suffering relegation from the Premier League last May, but they will return to the top flight in August.

The Magpies have one of the largest fanbases in the country, but they have not won any silverware since they took the Championship crown in 2010.

Rafael Benitez has been the man in charge of the team since March 2016, but he recently suggested to reporters that it is unclear whether he will still be at the helm next season.

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/newcastle-players.mp4