• Premier League

Richards wants City stay for life

ESPN staff
July 23, 2013
City defender relishing fight for starting berth © Getty Images
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Micah Richards has insisted that he wants to stay at Manchester City for the rest of his career.

Richards, 25, has made 234 appearances for his only club since making his debut in 2005, but only played in seven league games last year as his campaign was interrupted by injuries while fellow right-back Pablo Zabaleta was named City's Player of the Year.

Richards has been linked with several Italian clubs but is adamant he has never thought of leaving, telling City's official website: "Manchester City is my club and I've never considered playing anywhere else. I think there has been speculation because I've got two years left on my contract and Pablo Zabaleta had a fantastic season.

"He's outstanding, but that's what you expect at top teams - you expect competition. The season before, we won the Premier League and I had a good year, but now I'm just happy to be back fit.

"Last season was a bit of a nightmare with injuries. I picked up the ankle problem at the Olympics and came back from that and then tore my cartilage."

Richards stressed that he wanted to play more first-team football this season.

He added: "The main thing is to be playing. I know there are a lot of games and I don't expect to play every game but, the season we won the title, me and Zaba rotated really well together - so if we can do that this season I'll be happy."

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