Cardiff City striker Craig Bellamy admits a summer return to Manchester City would be “uncomfortable”.
Bellamy is currently on a season-long loan with the Bluebirds but is not expecting to return to the Cardiff City Stadium next summer.
And the 31-year-old Wales international admits life back at Eastlands could be tough if he serves the final year of his contract with the Premier League outfit.
Bellamy told the Daily Mirror: “Even if Cardiff are promoted, I feel it's very unlikely I'd stay.
“It is not an option to have another year on loan here - I don't want to be on loan anywhere next season.
“The deal Man City did with Cardiff was for them to pay a lot of my wages but if we got promoted, they would have to buy me.
“It sounded romantic in August but if we look at it money-wise, it's probably not going to happen.
“It is difficult because I do have another year at Man City. I could be there the whole year and not be involved. It would not be ideal for anyone if that happens. It certainly wouldn't be ideal for them.
“I will have to be at Man City because I have a year left, but it will be an uncomfortable situation for everyone really, if (Roberto) Mancini is still in charge.
“There's nothing I can do. He is the manager. He chooses the squad - and rightly so.”