MX23RW : Friday, April 19 19:43:04| >> :60:481:481:

Micah Richards "gutted to be leaving" Manchester City

Aston Villa full-back Micah Richards acknowledges that he had little choice but to leave Manchester City in order to secure more regular game time.

Micah Richards has admitted that he is "gutted" to have called time on his Manchester City career, having joined Aston Villa on a free contract this summer.

The 27-year-old penned a four-year deal at Villa Park last month to bring an end to his 10-year spell with the Citizens.

Richards still holds many fond memories of his time at the club, particularly under the watch of former boss Roberto Mancini, and insists that he will make a return one day.

"For me [Mancini] was amazing," he told citytv. "He played me all the time when I was fit. I probably had my best season under Mancini. He definitely improved me as a player.

"City have stuck by me and it's definitely the club of my heart. When I finish I've always said I would want to come back in some capacity. I'm gutted to be leaving but it's the right decision for me and I've got a lot of amazing memories."

Aston Villa start their season with a trip to face Bournemouth at Dean Court on August 8.

ID:232191: cacheID:232191:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2068:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Fabian Delph in action for Aston Villa on December 28, 2014
Read Next:
Man City to complete £8m Fabian Delph deal?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
2Arsenal32225575264971
3Liverpool32218372314171
4Aston Villa33196868491963
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham33139115258-648
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32127134651-543
12Fulham33126154951-242
13Bournemouth32119124757-1042
14Crystal Palace3289153754-1733
15Brentford3388174758-1132
16Everton3298153248-1627
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3379174258-1626
18Luton TownLuton3367204670-2425
19Burnley3348213368-3520
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3237223084-5416


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!