Former Wales and Cardiff City striker Craig Bellamy has left his coaching role at Anderlecht over mental health issues.
Bellamy was Vincent Kompany's assistant in Belgium, having stepped up from his role of under-21s chief earlier this year.
The pair know each other from their Manchester City days, with Bellamy now deciding to take a step back from the game, with previous mental issues resurfacing.
A statement on Anderlecht's website read: "Assistant coach Craig Bellamy will leave the coaching staff of RSC Anderlecht on Monday.
"Bellamy already struggled with mental problems in the past and these have resurfaced again recently. With his departure, the Welshman took a very difficult, but absolutely necessary decision concerning his health.
"Bellamy said goodbye to the players in the dressing room on Sunday afternoon after the 7-2 victory against KV Mechelen.
"Bellamy arrived at RSC Anderlecht in the summer of 2019 as coach of the U21. Earlier this year, he joined the first squad as an assistant coach to Vincent Kompany.
"His experience as a striker in the Premier League and his drive took our young squad to a higher level. Both coach Vincent Kompany and Director of Sports Peter Verbeke want to thank Bellamy explicitly for his efforts and show great understanding for Bellamy's brave decision."
Verbeke then went on to personally add his own thanks to the former Liverpool and Celtic attacker.
"The enormous energy Craig has given us all is priceless. It is therefore logical that we must give him all the time and rest he needs. The whole club stands firmly behind him in this difficult period," he said.
Bellamy had previously disclosed to Sky Sports that he had battled mental health problems during his playing career.
He said: "During my career my depression was worse, way worse, the emotional side… I'd come home and wouldn't speak for three days.
"I had a wife, young family and I literally wouldn't talk. I would shut myself away in a room and then I would go to bed on my own. That was the only way I could deal with depression."
If you are affected by any of the issues highlighted in this story, contact the Samaritans on free phone 116 123 or visit their website.
