The striker brought joy to thousands in the Welsh capital when he signed for his hometown club last summer on a deal until the end of the campaign, with Cardiff understood to be paying only a part of his wages.
He has so far scored eight goals in 27 appearances as the Bluebirds battle for promotion to the Premier League.
But even if he were to fulfil his dream of firing City to the top flight, he does not believe the club would be able to afford his transfer fee and subsequent salary, with a return to Eastlands on the cards and a possible reunion with Roberto Mancini.
"Even if Cardiff were promoted, it's very unlikely I'd stay here," Bellamy told the Daily Mail. "I don't want to be on loan anywhere next season. If we got promoted, Cardiff 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 City. I could be at Man City the whole year and not be involved. It will be an uncomfortable situation for everyone because Mancini will be in charge. There's nothing I can do. He is the manager, he chooses the squad and rightly so."
Source: PA
Source: PA