'It's difficult' Craig Bellamy tears up during emotional tribute to Gary Speed
CRAIG BELLAMY struggled to hold back tears during a live broadcast after a touching tribute to his close friend and former international teammate Gary Speed.
Craig Bellamy pays emotional tribute Gary Speed
The striker was visibly moved by the tribute to Speed, who was found dead at his home in November 2011, which aired before Wales' crunch match against Russia.
The wonderful tribute saw star midfielder Aaron Ramsey and manager Chris Coleman discuss the impact and legacy of Speed – one of his country's greatest ever players.
Coleman, who has led Wales through to the last-16 of the European Championships, said he was "always thinking of Speed".
The Welsh manager, who knew Speed since he was ten years old, said he "will never get over" what happened to his close friend.
He added that he only agreed to take over the job once he had spoken to the Speed's family.
Craig Bellamy struggled to fight back the tears
Ramsey, Speed's captain during his first game in charge as manager, said the Welsh legend the "player he most admired" growing up.
One fan in the video said Speed was "the man who set it all off" and that "the players still play for him".
After the tribute aired, Bellamy said it was "difficult" to sum up Speed's impact on Welsh football.
Fans still hold banners paying tribute to Speed
Bellamy tried to compose himself when he asked to sum up his close friend immediately after the tribute aired live on Monday night.
He struggled to hold back his emotions as he praised his close friend.
He said: "He set standards that were so high. He spoke to us on another level."
Another Welsh great, Mark Hughes, who was also in the studio, echoed Bellamy's remarks and said Speed created a golden generation of Welsh football.
Wales went on to beat Russia 3-0, with goals from Ramsey, Neil Taylor and Gareth Bale.