CRAIG Bellamy was among a number of former team-mates quick to praise departing centre-back Jonathan Woodgate following his move to Real Madrid.

Bellamy labelled a switch to the Bernabeu as the 'pinnacle' of any professional's career and one no player could turn down.

"I'm privileged to have played with such a player," said Bellamy. "I know what Real Madrid have bought; I know why they've bought him.

"He's such a class act. I know what other people say about his injuries - he hasn't played enough.

"It has caught a few people by surprise but they have bought a massive, massive talent. Real Madrid is the pinnacle of anyone's career."

The Wales international even praised Newcastle for letting their number one defender leave and giving him his 'dream move'.

Bellamy said: "It's about going to the pinnacle of your career - the best of the best and that's where he has gone. There's no other club like Real Madrid.

"Don't get me wrong, Manchester United and Arsenal are huge clubs but Real Madrid are the best.

"If there's one place where anyone would go to it's there.

"This club have been great to let him go. They could have said no, no, no - we want you to pay this much for him.

"But it's a massive opportunity, a once in a lifetime chance. We're all happy for him. You've got to be happy for him. It's a dream for anyone.

"Don't get me wrong, I love Newcastle and I'm so happy I'm playing for this club."

One former goalkeeper who has seen the effect Woodgate's presence has on decreasing their workload also felt it was too good a move to turn down.

Spurs keeper Paul Robinson, who was at Leeds with the 24-year-old, said: "I haven't spoken to him but it's a great move for him.

"Newcastle is a massive club but when a club like Real Madrid come in for you it's a great move. It is a tough challenge and he's had to cope with a lot during his life but I think he's a much stronger person for it. I think he's grown up a lot so I've no doubt he'll be able to cope with playing there.

"He's a great player, a great lad to have in the dressing room and a great lad to have on the pitch."