Manchester City defender Micah Richards has hailed the success former boss Roberto Mancini had at the club during his three-year tenure.
The Italian was sacked two days after losing the FA Cup final to Wigan Athletic despite guiding the Citizens to their first top-flight title in 44 years in the 2011-2012 season.
Richards told reporters: "Mancini did fantastic in the three years he was here. The owners have decided they wanted a change and that was up to them but I'd like to thank Mancini for what he did for me.
"Winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield was brilliant, I'd never won anything before.
"I'm happy for that but we are moving forward now, and looking forward to whoever it is going to be [who takes charge] and seeing their plans."
City are currently on a post-season tour of the United States and will face Chelsea in one more friendly match before their tour ends after beating the Blues 4-3 in the first game.
Simon Sinclair
