Micah Richards has explained his reasoning for turning down a new contract at Manchester City to sign with Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”1″>Fiorentina.
The 26-year-old was a surprise deadline day mover to Florence, to end a career-long association with City, on an initial season-long loan deal.
In being presented to the media today, the Viola’s new No 4 revealed the thinking behind the switch.
Micah Richards has explained his reasoning for turning down a new contract at Manchester City to sign with Fiorentina.
The 26-year-old was a surprise deadline day mover to Florence, to end a career-long association with City, on an initial season-long loan deal.
In being presented to the media today, the Viola’s new No 4 revealed the thinking behind the switch.
“I have been a player 12 years at City. In the past year, 18 months, I have not played as much,” Richards has explained.
“I had other offers, but the project at Fiorentina was very impressive. I believe that I can help us to achieve our goals, together with my teammates.
“As you know, I had a serious knee injury. When I returned, Zabaleta had taken over my starting spot. I would have liked to have continued the adventure with City, I was also offered a renewal, but my objective was to try a new adventure in another European League.
“It was frustrating to stay on the sidelines. Zabaleta has played very well in recent years.
“With Roberto Mancini there was a lot of rotation with the full-backs, whilst with the new Coach there was less space and for this reason I decided to leave.”
The defender was asked if he harboured any resentment towards how his City career has ended.
“To leave was very difficult but I have no resentment. I did not enjoy last year, I wish I had more opportunities with which to prove my worth, but I cannot but be happy with my Manchester City experience.
“And the national team? When I was playing as a starter at City I was regularly called up. I hope to return soon the national team, through excellent performances with Fiorentina.”
Richards commented further on his decision process and revealed he chatted to Stevan Jovetic, Matija Nastasic and Stefan Savic.
“I spoke with JoJo, Savic and Nastasic and they told me wonderful things about Fiorentina and Florence.
“As soon as I arrived I realised that they were right, the atmosphere is perfect to do well.
“I spoke with the staff at Fiorentina and they have told me that they want to invest in new talent. The club is going in the right direction.
“I have not spoken of clear objectives, we want to do well, perhaps in being able to qualify for the Champions League.
“I have always watched Serie A from the outside. The pace is less, but there is more on tactics and technique.
“On these things I hope to improve, making use of the work done with Roberto Mancini.”
Richards played at City with Mario Balotelli, and at one stage came to blows in training, so was asked for comment on the new Liverpool man.
“We all know Balotelli’s character. Now we are good friends but that day we argued over something in training.
“At Liverpool he will find a very good team and he can play well with other very talented strikers.”