Micah Richards says a reunion with Roberto Mancini at Inter ‘could be an option’, and reveals Fiorentina frustration.
The English defender worked with Mancio when the pair were at Manchester City, and has spent his season on loan with the Viola.
“The Premier League is fantastic but I had my best season at City under Roberto Mancini,” Richards told the Daily Mail.
“He's at Inter now, so maybe that could be an option. I think he definitely got the best out of me.
Micah Richards says a reunion with Roberto Mancini at Inter ‘could be an option’, and reveals Fiorentina frustration.
The English defender worked with Mancio when the pair were at Manchester City, and has spent his season on loan with the Viola.
“The Premier League is fantastic but I had my best season at City under Roberto Mancini,” Richards told the Daily Mail.
“He's at Inter now, so maybe that could be an option. I think he definitely got the best out of me.
“As a Coach I think Mancini was really good, and had he been given more time I think he could have done something special at City. I think he has proved he is a top line manager.”
The 26-year-old also revealed he’s had a frustrating year in Florence, after being unable to hold down a place in Vincenzo Montella’s side.
“I feel I've done well when I've played, but for the next two or three games I've then not been in [the team].
“I don't know whether it's because I've been on loan and I haven't made a commitment to stay.
“But, and I mean no disrespect to the players here, I don't think it's been a Zabaleta situation [like at City]; I feel I should have been playing.
“We had a great result away to Juventus [in the Coppa Italia], for instance, winning there for the first time in something like 30 years. I was dropped for the next game.
“Spurs in the Europa League. Beat them 2-0. I had a solid game. And I was out of the team for the next two games again.
“When I talked to Fiorentina they told me I'd play every game, and then after I arrive they change the formation to 3-5-2.
“I had to wait four or five months to be given a chance in the 3-5-2 formation, and if I'd known that was going to happen I probably wouldn't have come.
“I see that as a real shame because I have really settled here. I'm renting this great apartment on the river from Luca Toni. I love the lads, I love the training, the city is absolutely amazing.”
Despite those concerns, Richards does not feel his time in Serie A has been a waste.
“I think I've learnt quite a lot, playing here,” he admitted.
“I think they're probably a bit more defensively organised in Italy. And it's been a good season for Italian football.
“Juve are in the Champions League final. Us and Napoli got to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
“I'm more tactically aware now. [Before] I'd make mistakes and my pace and strength would get me out of trouble.
“I think I've improved hugely in that area. I'm much more tactically aware. I'm 26 now and I feel the next five years will be my best and I want to join a club where I'm going to play.
“Being out of contract [with City] this summer hopefully I'm in a good position.”