Micah Richards
{{Short description|English footballer (born 1988)}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Micah Richards
| image = Richards crop.JPG
| caption = Richards during Manchester City's Premier League victory parade in 2012
| full_name = Micah Lincoln Richards{{cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 |year=2010 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-1-84596-601-0 |page=351}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|6|24|df=y}}
| birth_place = Birmingham, England
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=11}}
| position = Right-back{{Hugman|25099|access-date=27 July 2019}}
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Leeds City School Boys
| youthyears2 = {{0|0000}}–2000
| youthclubs2 = Leeds United{{cite news |first=Micah |last=Richards |title=Micah Richards column |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7288220.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=12 March 2008 |access-date=20 October 2009}}
| youthyears3 = 2000–2001
| youthclubs3 = Oldham Athletic
| youthyears4 = 2001–2005
| youthclubs4 = Manchester City
| years1 = 2005–2015
| clubs1 = Manchester City
| caps1 = 179
| goals1 = 6
| years2 = 2014–2015
| clubs2 = → Fiorentina (loan)
| caps2 = 10
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2015–2019
| clubs3 = Aston Villa
| caps3 = 26
| goals3 = 1
| totalcaps = 215
| totalgoals = 7
| nationalyears1 = 2003–2004
| nationalteam1 = England U16
| nationalcaps1 = 2
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2005–2006
| nationalteam2 = England U19
| nationalcaps2 = 3
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2006–2011
| nationalteam3 = England U21
| nationalcaps3 = 15
| nationalgoals3 = 3
| nationalyears4 = 2006–2012
| nationalteam4 = England
| nationalcaps4 = 13
| nationalgoals4 = 1
| nationalyears5 = 2012
| nationalteam5 = Great Britain Olympic
| nationalcaps5 = 5
| nationalgoals5 = 0
}}
Micah Lincoln Richards (born 24 June 1988) is an English football pundit and former professional player who played as a right-back.
Richards began his senior career with Manchester City and made 245 appearances across all competitions in ten seasons, winning a Premier League title and an FA Cup. After a season on loan at Fiorentina in Italy's Serie A, he joined Aston Villa in 2015. Richards played 31 times for Villa until October 2016 – several knee injuries restricted his appearances – before retiring in July 2019. He became a football pundit after his retirement.
On making his full England debut in November 2006, Richards became the youngest defender to be called up to the England squad. He won 13 caps for England between 2006 and 2012 and played in the Great Britain squad for the 2012 Olympic football tournament.
Club career
=Early career=
File:Micah Richards 05-10-2008 1.jpg
Although Richards was born in Birmingham, he grew up in Chapeltown, Leeds.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6939151.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards began playing football when he was young and he played for the Leeds United youth system as a striker, but he was released when he was around eight years old.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards' ready for a power surge|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-ready-for-a-power-surge-800155|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=11 October 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}} He also represented Leeds Schools FA (Leeds City Boys) at a young age. Richards later moved to playing in either the centre-back or right-back positions.{{cite news|title=Who can plug the Distin gap?|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-can-plug-the-distin-gap-992624|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=23 May 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
He later played for the Oldham Athletic youth system, moving to Manchester City as a 14-year-old,{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7015045.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} with Oldham reputedly having a 20 per cent sell-on clause. In July 2006, Manchester City reportedly tried to buy out the clause, but Oldham refused.{{cite news|title=Manchester City keen to keep hold of Micah Richards|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchestercity/s/218/218374_city_keen_to_keep_hold_of_micah.html|newspaper=Manchester Evening News|date=18 July 2006|access-date=11 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721225249/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchestercity/s/218/218374_city_keen_to_keep_hold_of_micah.html|archive-date=21 July 2006|url-status=dead}}
{{cite news|title=Oldham still hope for Micah Richards deal|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/oldham-still-hope-for-micah-richards-855831|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=9 March 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} He also attended the Brazilian Soccer Schools scheme and retains strong links with the programme, with his father Lincoln running a Brazilian Soccer School in Chapeltown, Leeds.{{cite web|url=http://www.icfds.com/content2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=310|title=Brazilian Soccer Schools – The boy from Brazil|publisher=ICFDS|date=13 October 2007|access-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413123952/http://www.icfds.com/content2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=310|archive-date=13 April 2014}}{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7288220.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 March 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}}
Richards progressed through the ranks of Manchester City's Youth Team and Reserve Team.{{cite news|title=Shuker back at City – for now|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/shuker-back-at-city---for-now-1103955|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=City Res 3 Sunderland Res 2|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-res-3-sunderland-res-1123461|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=30 September 2004|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Cassell's cream of the crop|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cassells-cream-of-the-crop-1132881|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=21 December 2004|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah's pal predicted last-gasp goal|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micahs-pal-predicted-last-gasp-goal-1021116|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=20 February 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite initially struggling to get a YTS contract, he later signed his first professional contract with the club in 2005.{{cite news|title=Danny signs new deal|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/danny-signs-new-deal-1076473|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=11 July 2005|access-date=12 January 2020}}{{cite news|title=Manchester City: Micah makes his mark|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-micah-makes-his-mark-1091356|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=11 November 2005|access-date=12 January 2020}}
=Manchester City=
In the summer of 2005, Richards was called up by Manchester City's first team for the Premier League Asia Trophy.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7250215.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 February 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}} He was later promoted to the first team in early October 2005.{{cite news|title=Manchester City: Bischoff's biggest test|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-bischoffs-biggest-test-1087348|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=6 October 2005|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City: Warning shot from youth boss|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-warning-shot-from-youth-boss-1091190|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=9 November 2005|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards made his first-team debut on 22 October 2005 against Arsenal, coming on as a substitute for Danny Mills in the 85th minute of a 1–0 defeat at Highbury.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4344508.stm|title=Arsenal 1–0 Man City|website=BBC Sport|date=22 October 2005|access-date=16 August 2009}} After the match, he said it was the most memorable day of his life. It was not until 1 February 2006 that he made another appearance, again as a late replacement in a 3–0 win over Newcastle United.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 3-0 Newcastle United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4657216.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 February 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} Eleven days later he made his first start, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–2 win over Charlton Athletic.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 3 Charlton 2: Verdict|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-3-charlton-2-verdict-1020348|work=Manchester Evening News|date=13 February 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} His first goal came on 19 February, heading in a last-minute corner to earn a 1–1 draw away to Aston Villa in the fifth round of the FA Cup.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa 1 Manchester City 1|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-1-city-1-1021008|access-date=17 June 2015|newspaper=Manchester Evening News|date=19 February 2006}} Manager Pearce praised his performance after the match.{{cite news|title=Pearce praise for Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pearce-praise-for-richards-1021056|work=Manchester Evening News|date=20 February 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards swore on live national television when interviewed after the game, later reflecting that "I won the Premier League and played for England but it seems everyone always remembers me best for swearing live on BBC One on a Sunday afternoon".{{cite news |last1=Richards |first1=Micah |title='I embarrassed my mum by swearing on TV' – Micah Richards on the power of the FA Cup |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51227804 |access-date=25 January 2020 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 January 2020}} Following this game, he then received a handful of first-team appearances for the remaining matches of the 2005–06 season.{{cite news|title=Pearce praise for Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pearce-praise-for-richards-1021056|work=Manchester Evening News|date=20 February 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City: Pearce stands by young guns|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-pearce-stands-by-young-guns-1023500|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=14 March 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Dunne: I don't want a rest|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dunne-i-dont-want-a-rest-1023916|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=17 March 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} At the end of the 2005–06 season, he went on to make sixteen appearances and scoring once in all competitions.
In July 2006, Manchester City rejected a bid of £5 million for Richards from Tottenham Hotspur.{{cite news|title=Hammers in Richards race?|url=http://www.clubcall.com/index.jsp?storyID=286085|publisher=Clubcall.com|date=23 July 2006|access-date=20 August 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008062619/http://www.clubcall.com/index.jsp?storyID=286085|archive-date=8 October 2007}}
{{cite news|title=City reject £5m move for Micah|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-reject-5m-move-for-micah-1035840|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} On 25 July 2006, he signed a new four-year contract, quashing rumours of a move away from the City of Manchester Stadium.{{cite news|title=Exclusive- Micah signs new deal|url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?syndicatorguid={7EB24EFC-E397-48B3-977A-BC40E4795300}&rmasiteinstanceguid={5B147D34-2BCF-448D-976C-AE1944ED09F5}&pagegid={DBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80}&newsid=349401|publisher=Manchester City F.C.|date=25 July 2006|access-date=16 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313062319/http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?syndicatorguid=%7B7EB24EFC-E397-48B3-977A-BC40E4795300%7D&rmasiteinstanceguid=%7B5B147D34-2BCF-448D-976C-AE1944ED09F5%7D&pagegid=%7BDBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80%7D&newsid=349401|archive-date=13 March 2007|url-status=dead}} At the start of the 2006–07 season, Richards helped the side keep two clean sheets between 23 August 2006 and 26 August 2006.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 0–0 Portsmouth|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/5266156.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 August 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1–0 Arsenal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/5266256.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 August 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} However, during a 1–0 loss against Reading on 11 September 2006, he was criticised by Pearce after reacting furiously when he was substituted in the 60th minute and threw his shirt to the ground and waved his arms in disgust.{{cite news|title=Rebel Richards facing the axe|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rebel-richards-facing-the-axe-1041939|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Reading 1-0 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/5308204.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 September 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite this, Richards continued to remain in the first team for the side and was praised once again by Manager Pearce for his professionalism.{{cite news|title=Ishmael can be star of the East|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ishmael-can-be-star-of-the-east-1042684|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Pearce praise for Micah Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pearce-praise-for-micah-1043042|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah salutes his mentors|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-salutes-his-mentors-1044211|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} At one point during the 2006–07 season, he played in a central midfield position, due to limit of midfielders.{{cite news|title=Liverpool 1–0 Manchester City|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-1-city-0-1048932|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=25 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Richards compared to young Des Walker|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-compared-to-young-des-walker-1049160|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Preview: West Ham v Manchester City|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/preview-west-ham-v-city-1052283|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards then scored his first goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Everton on 30 September 2006.{{cite news|title=Everton 1–1 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/5373474.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 September 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} He appeared in every match until he was dropped in December, due to a leg injury following a 2–1 loss against Tottenham Hotspur on 16 December 2006.{{cite news|title=Pearce: Sam owes me|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pearce-sam-owes-me-1051908|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1–2 Tottenham Hotspur|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6164455.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 December 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} But he made his return from injury, starting the whole game, in a 1–0 win over Sheffield United on 26 December 2006.{{cite news|title=Sheffield United 0 Manchester City 1|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sheff-utd-0-city-1-1052054|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=26 December 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} In a follow–up match against West Ham United, Richards kept another clean sheet, in a 1–0 win.{{cite news|title=West Ham United 0–1 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6205709.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 December 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} Over the next months, he competed with Hatem Trabelsi and Danny Mills over the right-back position.{{cite news|title=Pearce wary of Richards burn-out|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pearce-wary-of-richards-burn-out-1041573|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah's a Lion-heart|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micahs-a-lion-heart-1044848|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Dubai trip takes heat off Manchester City|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dubai-trip-takes-heat-off-city-983145|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=23 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} However, Richards suffered a calf injury and had to be substituted during a 2–0 win over Middlesbrough on 17 March 2007, resulting in him sidelined for the remaining matches of the season.{{cite news|title=Richards will report for England|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-will-report-for-england-985564|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=18 March 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Man City sweat on Richards injury|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/6506213.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 March 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Man City's Richards has surgery|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/6595065.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 April 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite this, Richards was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2006–07 season.{{cite news|title=United dominate PFA award shortlist|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/apr/16/newsstory.sport4|access-date=26 July 2019|newspaper=The Guardian|date=16 April 2007}}
{{cite news|title=Richards up for PFA award|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-up-for-pfa-award-988867|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=16 April 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} Although he lost out to Cristiano Ronaldo, he was nevertheless awarded the Young Player of the Season by the Official Supporters' Club.{{cite news|title=Ace Dunne wins record third award|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ace-dunne-wins-record-third-991114|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=1 May 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} At the end of the 2006–07 season, he went on to make thirty–five appearances and scoring once in all competitions.{{cite news|title=City season player ratings|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-season-player-ratings-992648|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=23 May 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
Throughout 2007, Richards was linked with a move away from City, Stuart Pearce said "I am not actively looking to sell Micah because he has a great future here. Whatever offers come in for him, it is going to take a ridiculously big offer to get him out of this football club. I would love to see Micah stay here, captain the club, and maybe be here for 10 years and carry the club on his back if he can. He is good enough to do it. I have not worked with anyone so good and so young."{{cite news|title=Transfer Speculation: Richards to Chelsea|url=http://www.squarefootball.net/article/transfer.asp?tid=301|publisher=Squarefootball|date=26 July 2007|access-date=26 July 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015063939/http://squarefootball.net/article/transfer.asp?tid=301|archive-date=15 October 2007}}
{{cite news|title=Man City reject Richards rumours|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6214155.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 January 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} He later responded to the transfer speculation that he reaffirmed his commitment to stay at Manchester City.{{cite news|title=Richards intent on Man City stay|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/6272515.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 January 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
In the 2007–08 season, Richards continued to be in the first team, having recovered from a calf injury and played in the pre–season friendly matches.{{cite news|title=Micah's plans on hold|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micahs-plans-on-hold-994708|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=7 June 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Here we go!|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/here-we-go-997274|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=4 July 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards started the season well when he helped Manchester City's defence to keep three clean sheets in the first three league matches, including against rivals, Manchester United.{{cite news|title=West Ham United 0-2 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6931065.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1–0 Derby County|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941808.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 August 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1–0 Manchester United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6941879.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 August 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} His performance was praised by Manager Sven-Göran Eriksson.{{cite news|title=Eriksson promises fantasy football|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/eriksson-promises-fantasy-football-1000631|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Eriksson salutes Richards display|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6954085.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 August 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} As a result, he was named the Barclays player of the month award for August.{{cite news|title=Man City's Richards claims award|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/6995518.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards then captained the team for the first time on 16 September 2007 against Aston Villa in the absence of teammate Richard Dunne, making him City's youngest ever first-team captain, beating the 21-year-old Steve Redmond. After the match, he said it was the "proudest moment" of his career.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1-0 Aston Villa|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6984887.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7003140.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} Following a 6–0 loss against Chelsea on 27 October 2007, Richards acknowledged his mistakes for conceding "a couple of goals" on his columns.{{cite news|title=Chelsea 6-0 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7054064.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 October 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7070090.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 October 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} After missing one match due to an injury, he returned to the starting line-up against Portsmouth on 11 November 2007, and kept a clean sheet, in a 0–0 draw.{{cite news|title=Micah injury woe|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-injury-woe-1009430|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=1 November 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Sven ponders attacking options|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sven-ponders-attacking-options-1009693|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=2 November 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Portsmouth 0 Manchester City 0|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/portsmouth-0-city-0-1010562|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=12 November 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} Since the start of the 2007–08 season, Richards regained his first-team place, playing in the right-back position.{{cite news|title=Micah happy to shun big four|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-happy-to-shun-big-four-1003585|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=13 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Hinchcliffe rates anchor men|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hinchcliffe-rates-anchor-men-1011048|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 November 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Hype buster Micah|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hype-buster-micah-1006969|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=13 October 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} It was announced on 8 February 2008 that he signed an improved contract to last until June 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=655508.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210054144/http://www.uefa.com/footballeurope/news/kind=2/newsid=655508.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 February 2008|title=Richards makes long City commitment|date=8 February 2008|access-date=9 February 2008|publisher=UEFA Official Website}} However, by the end of February, Richards suffered a knee injury that saw him sidelined for six weeks.{{cite news|title=Richards faces six-week lay-off|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/7268015.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 February 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7275536.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 March 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}} Although he returned to training in early–April, Richards never played for the side for the rest of the 2007–08 season.{{cite news|title=Johnson focused on Chelsea|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/johnson-focused-on-chelsea-949237|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=4 April 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7404352.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 May 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}} During the season, he was involved in heated rows with the opposition teams, which resulted in him getting booked.{{cite news|title=Sven will not temper Micah|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sven-wont-temper-micah-1008936|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=30 October 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite this, Richards was nominated for a second time for the PFA Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2007–08 season.{{cite news|title=Ronaldo named player of the year|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7370319.stm|access-date=26 July 2019|website=BBC Sport|date=27 April 2008}} At the end of the 2007–08 season, he went on to make twenty–nine appearances in all competitions.
At the start of the 2008–09 season, Richards played his first full match back from injury in the 2–0 win against EB/Streymur in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup on 17 July 2008.{{cite news|title=EB Streymur 0–2 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/7510005.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=17 July 2008}}
{{cite news|title=Richards close to full fitness|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-close-to-full-fitness-954245|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=18 April 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}} However, during a 3–0 win over West Ham United on 24 August 2008, he collided with team-mate Tal Ben Haim after a clash of heads, resulting in him being substituted and taken to hospital with a concussion.{{cite news|title=Man City 3-0 West Ham United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7570609.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 August 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}} But he was released from the hospital after the result in a scan came back was all clear.{{cite news|title=Richards released from hospital|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/7580149.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 August 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards was able to return to the first team, starting the whole game and keeping a clean sheet, in a 3–0 win over Sunderland on 31 August 2008.{{cite news|title=Sunderland 0-3 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7578481.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}} He then captained Manchester City for the first time this season, helping the side progress to the UEFA Cup group stage after beating Omonia 2–1 on 2 October 2008.{{cite news|title=Man City 2-1 Omonia Nicosia (4-2)|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7639429.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 October 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards continued to hold onto the right-back position despite competition from Nedum Onuoha and Pablo Zabaleta.{{cite news|title=Onuoha up for City run-in|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/onuoha-up-for-city-run-in-912942|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=10 March 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Mercurial Elano finding form|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mercurial-elano-finding-form-917632|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=24 April 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} However, his performance received criticism by fans throughout December.{{cite news|title=Micah's right back to his best|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micahs-right-back-to-his-best-914417|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=24 March 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} On 22 March 2009, he scored his first goal of the 2008–09 season with a header in a man of the match performance giving a 1–0 victory over Sunderland at the City of Manchester Stadium.{{cite news|title=Man City 1-0 Sunderland|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7937109.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 March 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} However, both Richards and Manager Mark Hughes played down training ground bust-up after the British newspapers claimed the pair had argued during the training sessions, insisting it was a minor situation.{{cite news|title=Richards denies Hughes rift|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-denies-hughes-rift-917767|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=26 April 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Hughes plays down Richards 'row'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8018726.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 April 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} In the last game of the season against Bolton Wanderers, he set up a goal for Felipe Caicedo to score the only goal of the game.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1 Bolton Wanderers 0|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-1-bolton-0-920408|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=24 May 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite being sidelined on two occasions later in the 2008–09 season,{{cite news|title=Kompany toes line!|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kompany-toes-line-910469|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=20 April 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Hughes excited by Bojinov return|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hughes-excited-by-bojinov-return-912241|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=3 March 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} he went on to make fifty appearances and scoring once in all competitions.{{cite news|title=Manchester City: Season player ratings|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-season-player-ratings-921212|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=9 June 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} During the season, Richards spoke out about the new ownership with the club that it could take four years to reach their potentials.{{cite news|title=Man City 'need time to develop'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/7991248.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 April 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
File:Micah Richards.jpg in 2010.]]
In July 2009, Richards was diagnosed with swine flu while on holiday in Cyprus, and was kept in isolation after returning from Ayia Napa.{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/11072009/58/premier-league-stranded-richards-swine-flu.html|title=Premier League – Richards has swine flu|website=Yahoo Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715202942/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/11072009/58/premier-league-richards-swine-flu.html|archive-date=15 July 2009|url-status=dead}}
{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jul/10/micah-richards-swine-flu|title=Manchester City's Micah Richards is recovering from swine flu|newspaper=The Guardian|date=10 July 2009|access-date=11 July 2009|location=London|first=Daniel|last=Taylor}} He was able to recover and featured in the club's remaining pre–season matches.{{cite news|title=Richards up for Blues battle|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-up-for-blues-battle-925532|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=28 July 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Richards set for Barnsley test|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-set-for-barnsley-test-925940|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=31 July 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} At the start of the season, Richards started the season well when he kept three clean sheets in the first three league matches.{{cite news|title=Blackburn Rovers 0–2 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8197359.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 August 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1–0 Wolverhampton Wanderers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8210640.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 August 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Portsmouth 0–1 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8222249.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 August 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} He then played a vital role against Arsenal on 12 September 2009 when he scored and set up two goals, in a 4–2 win.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 4–2 Arsenal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8246825.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 September 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} From the start of the 2009–10 season, Richards continued to face competition from Onuoha and Zabaleta for the right-back position, resulting in his being placed on the substitute bench over the season.{{cite news|title=Why £12m Barry cannot put a foot wrong|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/why-12m-barry-cant-put-a-foot-928234|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=26 August 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester's ultimate dream team|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchesters-ultimate-dream-team-931852|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=9 October 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Hughes: I's time to get mean|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hughes-its-time-to-get-mean-934912|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=18 November 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} In spite of this, he regained his first-team place, playing at centre-back, or right-back when there was an absence in the club's defence or when Zabaleta was played in a different position.{{cite news|title=Kompany man is a true Blue|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kompany-man-is-a-true-blue-932582|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=20 October 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Hughes backs Manchester City defence to come good|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hughes-backs-city-defence-to-come-933249|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=28 October 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Hughes challenge for Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hughes-challenge-for-richards-936948|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=12 December 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Mancini's case for defence|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mancinis-case-for-defence-885953|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=23 March 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}} His lack of playing time led to reports that he was expecting to leave the club, a claim denied by both Richards and Manager Hughes.{{cite news|title=Quit City? You must be joking, insists Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/quit-city-you-must-be-joking-932587|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=20 October 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Richards is going nowhere|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-is-going-nowhere-935834.amp|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=28 November 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} His first goal of the 2009–10 season came on 12 December 2009, in a 3–3 draw against Bolton Wanderers.{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers 3–3 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8406430.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 December 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} His second goal of the season then came on 11 January 2010, in a 4–1 win over Blackburn Rovers.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 4–1 Blackburn Rovers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8443696.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 January 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite facing his own injury concerns during the 2009–10 season,{{cite news|title=City banking on Bellamy|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-banking-on-bellamy-930919|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=28 September 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City v Stoke City: Preview|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-v-stoke-preview-937834|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=24 December 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Kompany blow for City|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kompany-blow-for-city-881987|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=1 February 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Richards ready to bounce back|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-ready-to-bounce-back-887801|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=28 April 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards went on to make twenty–nine appearances and score twice in all competitions.
File:Luis Henríquez and Micah Richards - Lech - Manchester 225.jpg looks on; Manchester City were playing against Lech Poznań in November 2010.]]
Ahead of the 2010–11 season, Richards said he announced his intention to stay at the club and dismissed suggestions of leaving.{{cite news|title=I'll ignore City exit signs – Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ill-ignore-city-exit-signs-894335|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=16 July 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}} Following this, manager Robert Mancini expected Richards to fight for his first-team place.{{cite news|title=Mancini challenge for Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mancini-challenge-for-richards-895246|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=29 July 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}} He was featured in the starting line-up for the first five league matches of the season.{{cite news|title=Tottenham Hotspur 0–0 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8901397.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 August 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1–1 Blackburn Rovers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8976775.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 September 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Wigan Athletic 0–2 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9000605.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 September 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}} During this, Richards played a role when he set up the club's second goal of the game, in a 3–0 win over Liverpool on 23 August 2010.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 3 Liverpool 0|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-3-liverpool-0-897118|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=23 August 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}} Since the start of the 2010–11 season, Richards continued to face competitions with Jérôme Boateng and Zabaleta for the right-back position.{{cite news|title=Richards backs blue revolution|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-backs-blue-revolution-898582|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=10 September 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Richards makes case for City's defence|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-makes-case-for-citys-defence-904435|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=4 December 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards boosted by Manchester City competition|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-boosted-by-manchester-city-854332|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=17 February 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite this, he appeared in the starting line-up, mostly making starts in the club's cup competitions.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 2 FC Timișoara 0 (Manchester City win 3-0 on agg.)|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-2-fc-timisoara-0-897538|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=26 August 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City v Arsenal: Preview|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-v-arsenal-preview-901558|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=22 October 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Aris Salonika v Manchester City: Verdict|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aris-salonika-v-city-verdict-854158|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=16 February 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} It was not until on 27 November 2010 when Richards scored his first goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Stoke City.{{cite news|title=Stoke City 1 Manchester City 1|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-1-city-1-903961|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=27 November 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}} Two months later on 30 January 2011, he set up a goal for Edin Džeko, resulting a 1–1 draw in the fourth round of the FA Cup, which saw them earn a replay at the City of Manchester Stadium.{{cite news|first=Jamie|last=Lillywhite|title=Notts County 1–1 Man City|url=http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9379084.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 January 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} In the fourth round of FA Cup replay against Notts County, Richards scored the club's fifth goal of the game, in a 5–0 win to send through to the next round.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 5 Notts County 0|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-5-notts-county-854496|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=20 February 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} A month later on 13 March 2011, he scored again in a FA Cup match, in a 1–0 win over Reading.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1 Reading 0: Brennan's verdict|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-1-reading-0-brennans-856164|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=14 March 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite facing his own injury concerns he faced later in the 2010–11 season,{{cite news|title=Manchester City v Chelsea: Preview|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-v-chelsea-preview-899572|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=24 September 2010|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards set to miss Birmingham trip|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-set-to-miss-birmingham-852957|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=1 February 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards to miss FA Cup semi-final|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9438977.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 March 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Roberto Mancini baffled by Manchester City crock stars|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/roberto-mancini-baffled-by-manchester-city-854844|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=24 February 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards started for City as they beat Stoke City 1–0 at Wembley Stadium in the 2011 FA Cup Final.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13346941|title=Man City 1–0 Stoke City|first=Phil|last=McNulty|website=BBC Sport|date=14 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525071238/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13346941|archive-date=25 May 2014}} Following the match, ITV, who aired the FA Cup final, apologised after both Richards and Mario Balotelli swore live during post-match interviews on the pitch.{{cite news|title=ITV apologises to viewers after Manchester City stars Mario Balotelli and Micah Richards both swear in live FA Cup interviews|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/itv-apologises-to-viewers-after-manchester-860708|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 May 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} At the end of the 2010–11 season, he went on to make thirty–one appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.
At the start of the 2011–12 season, Richards set up the two goals in the first two league matches to give Manchester City a perfect start to the season.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 4–0 Swansea City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14440546|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 August 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Bolton Wanderers 2–3 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14520274.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 August 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} By the end of August, he signed a contract extension with the club, keeping him until 2015.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards signs new Manchester City deal|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-signs-new-manchester-869434|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=28 August 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards made his UEFA Champions League debut, starting the whole game, in a 2–0 loss against Bayern Munich, in what turned out to be his only appearance in the competition.{{cite news|title=Bayern Munich 2 Manchester City 0|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bayern-munich-2-manchester-city-871735|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=27 September 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} Since the start of the 2011–12 season, he established himself in the starting 11, playing in the right-back position.{{cite news|title=Manchester City transfer quest not over – Roberto Mancini|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-city-transfer-quest-not-867475|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=5 August 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Blue heaven: Manchester City ready for title tilt|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blue-heaven-manchester-city-ready-869538|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=30 August 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Video: Roberto Mancini challenges Manchester City star Micah Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/video-roberto-mancini-challenges-manchester-681649|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=10 February 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}} But Richards found himself rotated under Mancini's management, which saw him dropped from the first team at times.{{cite news|title=Selection headache: Manchester City coach David Platt admits rotation dilemmas|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/selection-headache-manchester-city-coach-875603|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=10 November 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Rotation will see us right: Gael Clichy backs Roberto Mancini's Manchester City squad selection|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rotation-will-see-us-right-gael-clichy-876912|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=28 November 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Main man Hart is no average Joe|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/main-man-hart-is-no-average-689057|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=30 May 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards then set up two goals in two matches between 15 October 2011 and 23 October 2011, including one in a 6–1 win over rivals, Manchester United.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 4–1 Aston Villa|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/15225816.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 October 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester United 1–6 Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/15325536.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 October 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} This was followed up by making his 200th appearance for Manchester City, in a 3–1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 29 October 2011.{{cite news|title=Be a Manchester City legend, Roberto Mancini tells Micah Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/be-a-manchester-city-legend-roberto-mancini-874605|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=31 October 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/archive/2011/november/micah-richards-200-apprearances|title=MICAH RICHARDS: 200 AND COUNTING|publisher=Manchester City F.C.|date=9 November 2011|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110203240/https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/archive/2011/november/micah-richards-200-apprearances|archive-date=10 January 2020|url-status=dead}} It was not until on 19 November 2011 when he scored his first goal of the season, followed up by setting up the club's third goal of the game, in a 3–1 win over Newcastle United.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15806158 |publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 November 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} After the match, his performance was praised by teammate, Joleon Lescott.{{cite news|title=Joleon Lescott: Manchester City star Micah Richards can be best in world|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joleon-lescott-manchester-city-star-876439|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=21 November 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} Between December and February, Richards found himself out of the first team on three occasions, due to injuries.{{cite news|title=I have not got a problem with Kolo Toure, says Stefan Savic|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/i-have-not-got-a-problem-with-kolo-toure-says-877907|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=9 December 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=West Brom v Manchester City: Preview|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-v-manchester-city-879084|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=23 December 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Blues can't live on Silva service alone|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-cant-live-on-silva-service-681003|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=3 February 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}} He captained the side on three occasions as well: twice against Liverpool in both legs in the League Cup and once in the league against Fulham.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 0 Liverpool 1 – Stuart Brennan's Carling Cup verdict|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-0-liverpool-1-679541|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=11 January 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Liverpool 2–2 (3–2 agg.) Manchester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/16606933.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 January 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City 3–0 Fulham|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16778781|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 February 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}} Towards the end of the 2011–12 season, Richards' playing time was reduced and found himself placed on the substitute bench, due to the hamstring injury he sustained.{{cite news|title=Manchester City set to go for Bolton Wanderers jugular|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-set-to-go-for-bolton-683449|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=2 March 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=The England men who missed out on Euro 2012|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18096188|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 May 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite this, Manchester City won the Premier League in 2011–12, and Richards was nominated for the club's Player of the Year award.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards says Manchester City aim to end 43-year wait to be England's best|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-says-manchester-city-868147|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 August 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Roberto Mancini: Manchester City's man with the Midas touch|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/roberto-mancini-manchester-citys-man-688352|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=16 May 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPgsqBvYlG8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/HPgsqBvYlG8 |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=MCFC Awards 2012 – Etihad Player of the Year|via=YouTube|access-date=20 June 2014}}{{cbignore}} In addition to making thirty–seven appearances and scoring once in all competitions, Richards finished the season with five assists – the most of any defender in the Premier League.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1985703-liverpool-transfers-should-reds-go-for-manchester-city-defender-micah-richards|title=Liverpool Transfers: Should Reds Go for Manchester City Defender Micah Richards?|publisher=Bleacher Report|date=8 March 2014|access-date=20 June 2014}}
At the start of the 2012–13 season, Richards suffered an ankle injury during the Summer Olympics tournament and was sidelined for a month.{{cite news|title=Manchester City's Barry & Richards out of Community Shield|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19211704|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 August 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City wait on Micah Richards fitness|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-wait-on-micah-richards-692475|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=6 August 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards injury rules defender out for up to a month|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19234160|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 August 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}} By mid–September, he returned to full training.{{cite web|url=https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/archive/2012/september/micah-interview|title=MICAH CLOSE TO RETURN|publisher=Manchester City F.C.|date=13 September 2012|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112201032/https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/archive/2012/september/micah-interview|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live}} It was not until on 6 October 2012, Richards made his first appearance of the season, starting the whole game, in a 3–0 win over Sunderland.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 3-0 Sunderland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19768745|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 October 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}} He went on to make three more appearances for the side throughout October.{{cite news|title=David Platt: Manchester City 'there or thereabouts'|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/david-platt-manchester-city-there-799910|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=6 October 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=West Brom 1 Manchester City 2: Premier League match report|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-1-manchester-city-800764|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=20 October 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=It's not tinkering, it's tactics – Gareth Barry defends Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/its-not-tinkering-its-tactics-801345|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=30 October 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}} However, Richards suffered a knee injury during a 1–0 win over Swansea City and was sidelined for four months.{{cite news|title=Video: Manchester City's Micah Richards out for up to four months|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/video-manchester-citys-micah-richards-801346|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=30 October 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}} By March, he returned to full training.{{cite web|url=https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/2013/march/richards-nears-full-fitness|title=MICAH CLOSE TO FIRST-TEAM RETURN|publisher=Manchester City F.C.|date=19 March 2013|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110222320/https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/2013/march/richards-nears-full-fitness|archive-date=10 January 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite news|title=Blues star Richards targets derby comeback|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-city-star-micah-richards-1763838|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=20 March 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} It was not until on 17 April 2013, Richards made his return to the first team, starting a match before being substituted in the 83rd minute, in a 1–0 win over Wigan Athletic.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1-0 Wigan Athletic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22088969|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 April 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} However, his return was short–lived when he was dropped by Mancini in the first team, including the FA Cup Final.{{cite news|title=Hart demanding a high-five finish|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-citys-joe-hart-demanding-3156324|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=26 April 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards: I'll fight for the right with Zabaleta!|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-ill-fight-right-3564921|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=9 May 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} But Richards made his return to the starting line-up for the remaining three matches of the season, including being a captain against Reading on 14 May 2013.{{cite news|title=Season starts now for Micah Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-hopes-make-most-3869485|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=18 May 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Reading 0–2 Manchester City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22430447|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 May 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City 2 Norwich 3: Premier League match report|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/manchester-city-2-norwich-3-3873076|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=19 May 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} At the end of the 2012–13 season, he went on to make eight appearances in all competitions.
File:MCFC parade 9 players.JPG won the Premier League, 2012.]]
At the start of the 2013–14 season, Richards said he is going to fight his way back to the starting line-up, under the new management of Manuel Pellegrini.{{cite news|title=Why Micah Richards is key for City's new boss Pellegrini|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-key-citys-new-4804051|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=2 July 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} Around the same time, Richards dismissed transfer speculation that he is leaving the club after reports claims that clubs from Europe were interested in signing him.{{cite news|title=Richards future: Micah happy to rotate with Zabaleta|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-future-micah-happy-rotate-5263364|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=23 July 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Roma to bid for Richards – report|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/roma-bid-manchester-city-defender-6179309|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=13 October 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} However, he suffered a thigh injury that saw him sidelined throughout August.{{cite web|url=https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/2013/august/manuel-pellegrini-press-conference-hull-city-tigers|title=NASTASIC BOOST FOR BLUES|publisher=Manchester City F.C.|date=30 August 2013|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112124854/https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/2013/august/manuel-pellegrini-press-conference-hull-city-tigers|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite news|title=Richards: City training more intense under Pellegrini|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-manchester-city-training-6088614|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=24 September 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} It was not until on 24 September 2013 when Richards made his first appearance of the season, starting as captain, and set up the club's second goal of the game, in a 5–0 win over Wigan Athletic in the third round of the League Cup.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 5-0 Wigan Athletic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24122130|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 September 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} A month later on 19 October 2013, he made his first Premier League appearance of the season, starting the whole game, in a 3–1 win over West Ham United.{{cite news|title=West Ham United 1–3 Manchester City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24503985|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 October 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} In a 2–0 win over Newcastle United on 30 October 2013 in the round of 16 of League Cup, Richards captained the side for the whole game throughout extra time to send the side through to the next round.{{cite news|title=Newcastle United 0–2 Manchester City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24633792|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 October 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} Following this, he appeared on the substitute bench, having lost his place in the first team to Zabaleta.{{cite news|title=Forgotten man Micah Richards can be the boy for Brazil|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-man-micah-richards-6181276|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=14 October 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Pellegrini pledge: Blues duo will get chance to prove World Cup credentials|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manuel-pellegrini-pledge-joleon-lescott-6310907|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=16 October 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Tactics board: Who should replace Silva against Palace?|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-should-replace-david-silva-7024962|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=23 April 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} However, during a 3–2 win over Bayern Munich on 10 December 2013 in a UEFA Champions League Group Stage match, Richards suffered a hamstring injury and was sidelined for a month.{{cite news|title=Richards offers £20k to charity after latest injury blow|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-make-20000-donation-6394805|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=11 December 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Bayern Munich 2–3 Manchester City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25299215|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 December 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=City missing five for Fulham trip|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/matija-nastasic-micah-richards-pablo-6435421|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=20 December 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} He did not make his return from injury until on 15 January 2014, starting a match, in a 5–0 win over Blackburn Rovers in the third round replay of the FA Cup.{{cite news|title=Manchester City 5 Blackburn Rovers 0: FA Cup match report|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/manchester-city-5-blackburn-rovers-6512610|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 January 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} Following this, Richards made two more appearances in the FA Cup matches later in the 2013–14 season.{{cite news|title=City 4 Watford 2: FA Cup report|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-4-watford-2-6594237|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=27 January 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City 1–2 Wigan Athletic|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26404260|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 March 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite this, he continued to have his first-team opportunities limited for the remaining matches of the season.{{cite news|title=Manchester City v Chelsea: Pick the team|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/city-v-chelsea-pick-team-6710197|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=14 February 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=City could be forced to shop for English players|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-city-could-forced-shop-6782522|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=6 March 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Hull City v Manchester City: Premier League preview|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hull-city-v-manchester-city-6834348|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=14 March 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} As a result, it was reported in March 2014 that Richards turned down a new contract offered by the club, leaving his future uncertain.{{cite news|title=City gossip: Richards turns down new deal, Alves and Song deals considered|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-city-transfers-micah-richards-6783680|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=7 March 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Richards' City future unclear|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-transfers-micah-richards-6847222|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=19 March 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} He later confirmed the news in September 2014.{{cite news|title=Richards turned down Man City contract|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-turned-down-man-city-7711691|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=3 September 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite Manchester City winning the league again in 2013–14, he made only two league appearances and missed out on a Premier League winner's medal.{{cite news|title=Stuart Brennan: Pellegrini has got the best from a surprisingly slender City squad|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stuart-brennan-manuel-pellegrini-best-6899957|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=1 April 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Manchester City players tweet delight at title win|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-premier-league-win-7104292|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=11 May 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
Ahead of the 2014–15 season, Richards was expected to leave Manchester City.{{cite news|title=Richards set to leave City|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-set-leave-manchester-7110853|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=13 May 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Begiristain a key cog in City machine|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/txiki-begiristain-manchester-city---7123346|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 May 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Does Sagna spell the end for Richards?|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bacary-sagna-could-spell-end-7289271|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=19 June 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} It came after when he was linked away from the club, as his contract was expecting to expire at the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Hammers and Toon chase Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-ham-newcastle-battle-sign-6932816|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=9 April 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=City want cash for Richards|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-city-fc-transfers-micah-7514035|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=26 July 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Nastasic and Richards poised for City exits|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/nastasic-richards-poised-city-exits-7653911|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=22 August 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards: Man City will listen to offers for defender|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28124256|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 July 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} Amid the transfer speculation, Richards made his only appearance of the season for Manchester City, coming on as a late substitute, in a 3–0 loss against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield.{{cite news|title=Arsenal 3 Manchester City 0: Community Shield match report|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/arsenal-3-manchester-city-0-7591745|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=10 August 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
On 10 June 2015, Richards was released by Manchester City.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11665348/Arsenal-release-midfielder-Abou-Diaby-after-nine-years-and-40-injuries.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11665348/Arsenal-release-midfielder-Abou-Diaby-after-nine-years-and-40-injuries.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Arsenal release midfielder Abou Diaby – after nine years and 40 injuries|date=10 June 2015|access-date=10 June 2015|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London}}{{cbignore}} By the time he departed the club, Richards was described by local newspaper Manchester Evening News as "a true survivor" since the takeover in 2008.{{cite news|title=Manchester City: The survivors|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-the-survivors-5669678|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=6 August 2013|access-date=12 January 2020}} Since leaving the club, Richards believed that Manchester City will never use youngsters in the future.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards: Young Man City players will not get a chance|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30248456|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 November 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
==Fiorentina (loan)==
On 1 September 2014, Richards signed for Fiorentina on a season-long loan. The loan fee was £3.5m rising to £4.7m should the transfer be made permanent at the end.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29011871|title=Transfer deadline day: Man City's Micah Richards joins Fiorentina|website=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2014|access-date=17 June 2015}}
Seventeen days after signing on 18 September 2014, Richards made his Fiorentina debut in a UEFA Europa League match against Guingamp, coming on as a substitute for former City teammate Stefan Savić, and set up the club's third goal of the game, in a 3–0 win.{{cite news|title=Fiorentina-Guingamp 3-0: Vargas apre, poi i sigilli di Cuadrado e Bernardeschi|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/fiorentina/2014/09/18/news/fiorentina-guingamp_3-0_vargas_apre_poi_i_sigilli_di_cuadrado_e_bernardeschi-96117783/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=18 September 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} Three days later on 21 September 2014, he made his league debut for the club, coming on as a late substitute, in a 1–0 win over Atalanta.{{cite news|title=Atalanta-Fiorentina 0-1, un lampo di Kurtic stende i nerazzurri|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/fiorentina/2014/09/21/news/atalanta-fiorentina_un_lampo_di_kurtic_stende_i_nerazzurri-96354247/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=21 September 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} On 28 September 2014, Richards made his first Serie A start for Fiorentina against Torino.{{cite news|title=Torino-Fiorentina 1-1: Quagliarella illude i granata, Babacar firma il pari|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/fiorentina/2014/09/28/news/torino-fiorentina_1-1_quagliarella_illude_i_granata_babacar_firma_il_pari-96861120/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=28 September 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards chose not to remain at Fiorentina; he only made 10 appearances in the league and a further seven in European competitions as manager Vincenzo Montella switched to a 3–5–2 formation after Richards had arrived.{{cite news|title=Richards, ok Uefa può andare all'Inter|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2015/02/01/richards-ok-uefa-puo-andare-allinterFirenze10.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=1 February 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Montella cambia modulo e torna al 4-3-3 A riposo Gomez e Joaquin, gioca Richards|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2015/02/13/montella-cambia-modulo-e-torna-al-4-3-3-a-riposo-gomez-e-joaquin-gioca-richardsFirenze17.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=13 February 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Le rivoluzioni di Vincenzo Ogni volta una formazione e condizione fisica super|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2015/04/07/le-rivoluzioni-di-vincenzo-ogni-volta-una-formazione-e-condizione-fisica-superFirenze11.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=7 April 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Montella e la società vertice in arrivo si decide il futuro|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2015/05/17/montella-e-la-societa-vertice-in-arrivo-si-decide-il-futuroFirenze14.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=17 May 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}} He also faced his own injury concern along the way.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards dieci giorni di stop torna con la Lazio|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2014/10/04/micah-richards-dieci-giorni-di-stop-torna-con-la-lazioFirenze15.html|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=3 October 2014|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Stagione finita per sette|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/fantacalcio/2015/05/16/news/stagione_finita_per_sette-114471525/|publisher=La Repubblica|language=it|date=16 May 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}}
=Aston Villa=
On 17 June 2015, Richards signed for Aston Villa on a free transfer after agreeing a four-year contract.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33174896|title=Micah Richards: Aston Villa sign Man City defender on free transfer|website=BBC Sport|date=17 June 2015|access-date=17 June 2015}} Upon joining the club, he was given a number four shirt ahead of the new season.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa squad numbers revealed for 2015/16 season|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-squad-numbers-revealed-9801618|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=6 August 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}}
Richards was named their on-field captain for the upcoming Premier League season on 5 August,{{cite web |title=Micah Richards named as Aston Villa's new captain|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/9935283/micah-richards-to-captain-aston-villa|website=Sky Sports|access-date=5 August 2015|date=5 August 2015}} and on his debut three days later, Villa won 1–0 away to AFC Bournemouth.{{cite news|last1=Reddy|first1=Luke |title=Bournemouth 0–1 Aston Villa|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33744565|access-date=8 August 2015|website=BBC Sport|date=8 August 2015}} During a 2–1 loss against Swansea City on 24 October 2015, he was involved in an altercation with Federico Fernández.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa 1–2 Swansea City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34558441|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 October 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}} Following this, Richards served a three match suspension after being involved in an incident at the tunnel during the match.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards: Villa defender charged for tunnel incident|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34646605|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 October 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Aston Villa skipper will not appeal his improper conduct charge|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-skipper-not-appeal-10361141|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=30 October 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Aston Villa duo Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott missed Southampton trip with injury|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-duo-micah-richards-10350051|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=28 October 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}} On 28 November 2015, he scored his first goal for Villa, heading an equaliser in a 2–3 home loss to Watford.{{cite news|last1=Chapman|first1=Caroline|title=Aston Villa 2–3 Watford|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34887526|access-date=18 December 2015|website=BBC Sport|date=28 November 2015}} However, Richards suffered a knee injury that saw him miss four matches.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa team news: Micah Richards could miss Southampton clash|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-team-news-micah-10542074|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=3 December 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Aston Villa v Arsenal press conference: Micah Richards struggling still; Jack Grealish is talented says Garde; Southampton game was pleasing|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-v-arsenal-press-10577454|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=10 December 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}} His absence was commented on by pundit Stan Collymore following the club's run of three draws in four matches.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa's encouraging performance helps Micah Richards coax a compliment out of Stan Collymore!|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villas-encouraging-performance-helps-10654593|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=26 October 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}} It was not until on 26 December 2015 when Richards made his return to the starting line-up, in a 2–0 loss against Norwich City.{{cite news|title=Norwich City 2-0 Aston Villa|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35148194|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 December 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}} After the match, he took to his Twitter account and criticised pundit Ian Wright's comment about the club's performance.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa captain slams Match of the Day pundit on Twitter|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-captain-slams-match-10660989|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=29 December 2015|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards then scored his second goal for the club, in a 1–1 draw against Wycombe Wanderers in the third round of the FA Cup.{{cite news|title=Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 Aston Villa|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35211388|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 January 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}} After the match, Richards was praised by Manager Remi Garde when he dealt with the situation with the club's supporters.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa: Remi Garde on Micah Richards' 'bravery' for confronting fans|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-remi-garde-micah-10709753|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=9 January 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}} Having started out playing in the centre-back position, he then played in the right-back position.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards: Aston Villa's all action captain should switch to right-back – and here are the reasons why|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-aston-villas-action-10673730|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=1 January 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards: Remi Garde is asked about the prospect of the Aston Villa captain switching to right-back|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-micah-richards-garde-10706702|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=8 January 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards poll results: Where should the Aston Villa captain play? – fans and Mat Kendrick give their verdict|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-poll-results-should-10704210|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=8 January 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}} As captain, Richards found themselves fighting for survival from relegation following a poor start since the start of the season.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa captain Micah Richards: We have to accept our share of the responsibility|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-captain-micah-richards-11134143|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=4 April 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Aston Villa's Micah Richards: This club can STILL stay up|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villas-micah-richards-club-10979293|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=2 March 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}} Towards the end of the 2015–16 season, Richards was featured in and out of the first team, as the club were relegated to Championship.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa: Remi Garde on his team's lack of quality but not desire; Why Micah Richards was dropped|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-remi-garde-teams-10958979|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=27 February 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Aston Villa team news: Injury boost for Remi Garde's men ahead of Swansea trip|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-team-news-injury-11052879|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=17 March 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Aston Villa are RELEGATED from the Premier League|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-relegated-premier-league-11154723|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=16 April 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Aston Villa defender faces fitness race ahead of Watford match|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-defender-faces-fitness-11257492|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=28 April 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}} At the end of the 2015–16 season, he went on to make twenty–eight appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
Following Villa's relegation, several clubs were rumoured to be interested in signing him, with an alleged £5 million release clause becoming a point of discussion,{{cite news|title=Micah Richards: Here's why Aston Villa fans should be concerned about the captain's release clause|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-heres-aston-villa-10995163|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=5 March 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=West Ham are reportedly about to end Micah Richards' Aston Villa nightmare|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-ham-reportedly-end-micah-11822658|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=31 August 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Aston Villa transfer news: Micah Richards finally set to end nightmare spell at club|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-news-micah-11804489|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=26 August 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}} but he stayed at the club as the summer transfer window closed.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa transfer news and rumours: Micah Richards departure in doubt; Defender wants to impress; Guzan exit imminent; Striker on radar|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-news-rumours-11663345|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=26 July 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Explained: The reasons why Aston Villa blocked a move for Micah Richards|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/explained-reasons-aston-villa-blocked-11857885|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=8 September 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title='You can't go!' Micah Richards reveals how Aston Villa blocked three moves including West Ham|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/micah-richards-west-ham-transfer-16770464|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=16 August 2019|access-date=12 January 2020}} His first appearance of the 2016–17 season came on 10 August 2016 against Luton Town, captaining the side for the whole game, in a 3–1 loss in the first round of the League Cup.{{cite news|title=Luton Town 3–1 Aston Villa|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36961116|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 August 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}} He made his first start of the 2016–17 Championship season in a 1–1 draw at home to Wolves on 15 October 2016, which was also Steve Bruce's first match in charge of the club, but was sidelined with a knee injury until the new year.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa 1 Wolves 1 – Report, stats and pictures from Steve Bruce's first game as manager|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/aston-villa-1-wolves-1-12031469|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=15 October 2016|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/aston-villa-fc/2016/12/16/micah-richards-aston-villa-defender-unlikely-to-play-until-new-year-over-rehab-plan/|title=Micah Richards: Aston Villa defender unlikely to play until New Year after rehab plan|date=16 December 2016|newspaper=Express & Star|access-date=20 December 2016}} Since returning from injury in January, Richards was placed on the substitute bench for the remaining matches for the 2016–17 season.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa team news: Henri Lansbury and Gabby Agbonlahor start; Ross McCormack and Mile Jedinak not in squad|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-team-news-henri-12487222|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=21 January 2017|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards has a new Aston Villa role in mind|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-new-aston-villa-13079636|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=23 May 2017|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Aston Villa and Micah Richards – the story so far and what happens next|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-micah-richards-story-13084472|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=24 May 2017|access-date=12 January 2020}} At the end of the 2016–17 season, he went on to make three appearances in all competitions.
He did not make a single appearance in 2017–18, with Bruce attributing that to consistent lack of fitness.{{cite news|last1=Bates|first1=Pearce|title='He must work harder' – Aston Villa outcast Micah Richards in the words of his managers|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-micah-richards-managers-14896354|access-date=5 August 2018|newspaper=Birmingham Mail|date=12 July 2018}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards: Aston Villa defender suffers injury in Germany|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-aston-villa-defender-13373427|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=23 July 2017|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=This is why Micah Richards could double his wages at Aston Villa|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-richards-wages-aston-villa-14353606|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=5 March 2018|access-date=12 January 2020}} Despite speculation that Richards would leave Aston Villa before the transfer deadline for the 2018–19 season,{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/next-micah-richards-121459741.html|title=What's next for Micah Richards?|last=Karell|first=Daniel|date=14 August 2018|publisher=Yahoo/NBC Sports|access-date=3 October 2018}} he remained at the club, although he was not considered for first-team selection{{cite web|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/latest-aston-villas-search-defender-15135586|title=The latest on Aston Villa's search for a defender as Gabby Agbonlahor hints at his dream move|last=Chapman|first=Joseph|date=11 September 2018|newspaper=Birmingham Mail|access-date=3 October 2018}} and spent another season without making an appearance. His knee issues continued to keep him out the team, and he alleged that fans abused him during this injury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49845993|title=Micah Richards on the dark side of football – 'it is a lonely place, I felt like a ghost'|date=27 September 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}
{{cite news|title=How Micah Richards has summed up his time at Aston Villa|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-defender-micah-richards-15808679|publisher=Birmingham Mail|date=12 February 2019|access-date=12 January 2020}}
Richards was released by Aston Villa at the end of the 2018–19 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48485114|title=Aston Villa: Micah Richards and Albert Adomah among eight players released|website=BBC Sport|date=1 June 2019|access-date=3 June 2019}} He announced his retirement from playing on 26 July 2019, at the age of 31.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49096355|title=Micah Richards: Ex-England defender retires from football|first=Chris|last=Bevan|website=BBC Sport|date=26 July 2019|access-date=27 July 2019}}
International career
=England youth team=
Richards made two appearances for the England under-16 side.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards is new kid cap|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-is-new-kid-cap-1153753|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=11 August 2004|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=England call for Blue boys|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/england-call-for-blue-boys-1104096|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=13 August 2004|access-date=12 January 2020}} For the next two years, he was called up to England U18 and England U19.{{cite news|title=Blues Youth skipper comes of age|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-youth-skipper-comes-of-age-1026798|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
=England under-21 team=
On 16 August 2006, Richards made his England U21 debut, playing the whole game, in a 2–2 draw against Moldova U21.{{cite web|url=https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/archive/2006/august/u21-debut-for-micah|title=U21 DEBUT FOR MICAH|publisher=Manchester City F.C.|date=16 August 2006|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110215710/https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/archive/2006/august/u21-debut-for-micah|archive-date=10 January 2020|url-status=live}} During a 2–0 win over German under-21s on 10 October 2006, opposition player Aaron Hunt racially abused both Richards and Anton Ferdinand, leading Hunt to be banned for two matches.{{cite news|title=Uefa sets date for racism ruling|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6039424.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 October 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Germans appeal against Hunt ban|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6125942.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 November 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}} This led the German Football Association to successfully overturn the suspension.{{cite news|title=U21 star cleared of racist abuse|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6163627.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 December 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}}{{clarify|date=May 2022}}
For most of his exile from the senior team, Richards was still young enough to be eligible for the under-21s, and played regularly. He was called up for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship held in Sweden, where he scored the winning goal against Finland as England went through the group stages undefeated.{{cite news|first=Mike|last=McGrath|title=Micah Richards gets 10-man England off to a winning start|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/9101724/Micah-Richards-Fabio-Capello-froze-me-out-for-his-England-favourites.html|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|date=15 June 2009|access-date=16 May 2012}} England reached the final of the competition, but lost 4–0 to Germany.{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Harrold|title=Germany claim first Under-21 crown|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round=15089/match=2001198/report=rp.html|publisher=UEFA|date=29 June 2009|access-date=16 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113085051/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under21/fixturesresults/round%3D15089/match%3D2001198/report%3Drp.html|archive-date=13 January 2016}} Richards played in four of England's five matches, including the final. He captained England U21 on three occasions between late–2009 and once in his only appearance of 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/archive/2009/october/micah-on-target-in-u21-thriller|title=MICAH ON TARGET IN U21 THRILLER|publisher=Manchester City F.C.|date=10 October 2009|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112200609/https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/archive/2009/october/micah-on-target-in-u21-thriller|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=dead}}
{{cite news|title=Richards leads resurgent Under-21s|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-leads-resurgent-under-21s-934812|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=17 November 2009|access-date=12 January 2020}} During qualifying for the 2011 tournament, Richards captained the team.{{cite news|title=Daniel Sturridge impresses in England Under-21 stroll over Denmark Under-21|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/mar/24/england-denmark-under-21|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|date=24 March 2011|access-date=16 May 2012}} However, he had to withdraw from the squad for the finals due to injury.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards withdraws from Under-21s|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/micah-richards-withdraws-from-under21s-2289455.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/micah-richards-withdraws-from-under21s-2289455.html |archive-date=12 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|newspaper=The Independent|location=London|date=26 May 2011|access-date=16 May 2012}}
=England senior team=
In November 2006, Richards received a call-up to the England squad for a friendly against the Netherlands after playing only 28 professional club matches.{{cite news|title=Richards named in England squad|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-named-in-england-squad-1047768|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} He had previously won three caps for the England under-21 team, and was chosen to start the match on 15 November 2006 against the Netherlands after regular right-back Gary Neville withdrew through injury. It made him England's youngest-ever defender, breaking the record previously held by Rio Ferdinand.{{cite news|title=Blues can cash in on Micah's call-up|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-can-cash-in-on-micahs-call-up-1047997|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=15 February 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah's plans on hold|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micahs-plans-on-hold-994708|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=7 June 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} After the game finished in a 1–1 draw, pundits Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer both praised Richards' performance.{{cite news|title=BBC pundits on England|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6152906.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 November 2006|access-date=12 January 2020}}
He scored his first international goal in the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel on 8 September 2007 at Wembley Stadium.{{cite news|title=England 3-0 Israel|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6983518.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards reflected on his BBC Sport column, saying that it was a great day for him.{{cite news |date=11 September 2007 |title=Micah Richards column |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6988011.stm |access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards played regularly during Steve McClaren's time as England manager, making 11 appearances.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7037156.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 October 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7148909.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 December 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7107592.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 November 2007|access-date=12 January 2020}}
However, following McClaren's sacking in November 2007, Richards fell out of favour.{{cite news|title=Micah Richards 'hurt' by Fabio Capello's England snub|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17150046|website=BBC Sport|date=24 February 2012|access-date=16 May 2012}}
{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7339608.stm |publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 April 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}} In Fabio Capello's four years in charge of the England team, Richards played only once, as a substitute against France in November 2010.{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Ogden|title=Micah Richards: Fabio Capello froze me out for his England favourites|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/9101724/Micah-Richards-Fabio-Capello-froze-me-out-for-his-England-favourites.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=23 February 2012|access-date=16 May 2012}}{{cite news|title=Micah Richards column|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7230094.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 February 2008|access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Comment: Why the cold shoulder for Micah Richards?|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/comment-why-the-cold-shoulder-for-micah-richards-875333|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=8 November 2011|access-date=12 January 2020}} Upon Capello's resignation in February 2012, Richards spoke of his frustration: "To be frozen out of your international side is hard to take sometimes. Everyone wants to play for their international team, especially when you're playing in a team that's doing so well. I didn't get a chance under Capello. I don't know why. I always asked the question, but I never got an answer."
Following Capello's resignation in February 2012, Richards gained an immediate recall to the England team. Caretaker coach Stuart Pearce had coached Richards at both Manchester City and for the under-21s, and selected him to play against the Netherlands.{{cite news|first=Owen|last=Gibson|title=England v Holland: five things we learned about Stuart Pearce|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/feb/29/england-holland-stuart-pearce|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|date=29 February 2012|access-date=16 May 2012}} However, when new coach Roy Hodgson named his squad for UEFA Euro 2012, Richards was omitted. Hodgson explained his decision by saying "It was going to be one of Phil Jones or Micah Richards and I chose Jones."{{cite news|title=Roy Hodgson: 'I chose Jones over Richards'|url=https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/news/hodgson-i-chose-jones-over-richards_27612.html|website=The Sports Mole|date=16 May 2012|access-date=16 May 2012}}
{{cite news|title=As new England boss faces his first big test, MEN Sport runs the rule over his Manchester contingent|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/as-new-england-boss-faces-his-first-688849|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=24 May 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}}
=Great Britain Olympic football team=
On 28 June 2012, Richards was confirmed as one of the three over-aged players selected by manager Stuart Pearce for Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics, alongside Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs.{{cite news|title=David Beckham not selected for London 2012 football squad|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18624174|website=BBC Sport|date=28 June 2012|access-date=28 June 2012}} He said it was an honour to be called up for the squad.{{cite web|url=https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/archive/2012/july/micah-richards-panning-for-olympic-gold|title=MICAH PANNING FOR OLYMPIC GOLD|publisher=Manchester City F.C.|date=2 July 2012|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110220552/https://www.mancity.com/news/first-team/first-team-news/archive/2012/july/micah-richards-panning-for-olympic-gold|archive-date=10 January 2020|url-status=live}}
Richards played the full match in the tournament's opening fixture against Senegal; which ended 1–1.{{cite web|last=Fletcher|first=Paul|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18924334|title=London 2012: Great Britain denied by late Senegal strike|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 July 2012|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112052630/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18924334|archive-date=12 November 2012|url-status=live}} He started all the remaining matches of the tournament, as Great Britain were eliminated by South Korea U23 on penalties.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18911955|title=Olympics football: GB beaten by South Korea on penalties|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 August 2012|access-date=12 January 2020}}
Other activities
= Media career =
After his retirement, Richards began working as a pundit for Sky Sports and BBC Sport, appearing across radio and television, including Match of the Day.{{Cite web |date=9 February 2021 |title=Who did Match of the Day's Micah Richards play for and why did he retire? |url=https://www.entertainmentdaily.co.uk/tv/who-did-micah-richards-play-for-and-why-did-he-retire/}} He also became a part of CBS Sports's UEFA Champions League coverage,{{Cite web |last=Tannenwald |first=Jonathan |date=28 May 2021 |title=CBS takes its soccer coverage to a new level with the UEFA Champions League and Concacaf Nations League |url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/uefa-champions-league-2021-cbs-concacaf-20210528.html |website=www.inquirer.com}} notably featuring with Kate Scott, Jamie Carragher, and Thierry Henry in a show that achieved widespread critical acclaim.{{Cite web |last=Clinkscales |first=Jason |date=2023-04-19 |title=CBS's Champions League Today is the next great sports studio show |url=https://awfulannouncing.com/cbs/champions-league-today-next-great-sports-studio-show.html |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=Awful Announcing |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-10 |title=The CBS Champions League studio show considered soccer's best: Kate Abdo, Micah Richards, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher {{!}} Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/cbs-soccer-studio-show-abdo-richards-henry-carragher-champions/mp30u5nvyaqusmoqtumjsz8n |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-us}}
= Baller League UK =
In November 2024, it was announced that Richards is set to manage one of the 12 teams in the upcoming Baller League UK, a six-a-side football league.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Baller League: KSI, Gary Lineker, Luis Figo & John Terry among names involved in new football league |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c3rx5ll9y3zo |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |last=Buckingham |first=Philip |last2=Stafford-Bloor |first2=Seb |title=What is Baller League, why are KSI and IShowSpeed involved and is it a game-changer? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5949002/2024/11/26/baller-league-explained-ksi-ishowspeed/ |access-date=2025-03-25 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}
Personal life
Richards is of Kittitian descent through his father who moved from Basseterre to England in the 1960s.{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |date=17 October 2008 |title=Big interview: Young star too bright to be lost in Manchester City's growing world galaxy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/oct/18/manchestercity-premierleague |newspaper=The Guardian}} He later credited his father for being a big influence on his career and keeping him grounded while growing up. Along with his father, Richards also credited his former teammate Richard Dunne for being a big influence on his early career as well.{{cite news |date=16 October 2007 |title=Richards: You've Dunne me good |publisher=Manchester Evening News |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-youve-dunne-me-good-1007227 |access-date=12 January 2020}} His first cousin, Atiba Harris, is also a former professional footballer and long-time captain of the Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team.{{cite web |last=FIFA.com |date=15 April 2015 |title=Playing for blood in St. Kitts |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2015/m=4/news=playing-for-blood-in-st-kitts-2590922.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417050330/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2015/m=4/news=playing-for-blood-in-st-kitts-2590922.html |archive-date=17 April 2015}} Richards has two brothers, both of whom played football but never became professionals. Although Richards likes Leeds United, he supported Arsenal because of Ian Wright, due to his great character and as Wright "made him smile with his goal celebrations".{{cite news |date=9 October 2007 |title=Richards reveals Arsenal ambition |publisher=Manchester Evening News |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-reveals-arsenal-ambition-1006441 |access-date=12 January 2020}} Richards said that he "did alright at school" and got Cs in GCSEs Maths, English and Science.
In November 2006, Richards was involved in a legal battle with Team Associates, who sued him for £1 million over a breach of contract after changing his agent the previous June.{{cite news |date=15 November 2006 |title=Richards 'faces £1m legal battle' |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/6157096.stm |access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news |date=15 February 2007 |title=Richards 'happy' with agents |publisher=Manchester Evening News |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richards-happy-with-agents-1048304 |access-date=12 January 2020}} For the 2007–08 season, he became a columnist for BBC Sport.{{cite news |date=6 October 2007 |title=Micah Richards column |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7022895.stm |access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news |date=6 December 2007 |title=Micah Richards column |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7125652.stm |access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news |date=25 January 2008 |title=Micah Richards column |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7206569.stm |access-date=12 January 2020}}
{{cite news |date=29 March 2008 |title=Micah Richards column |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7316900.stm |access-date=12 January 2020}}
During his playing career, Richards has been involved with Kick It Out, football's anti-racism campaign.{{cite news |date=24 October 2007 |title=Micah Richards column |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7057037.stm |access-date=12 January 2020}} In October 2012, he was among several footballers to not wear a Kick It Out anti-racism T-shirt, due to protest against the lack of action by the organisation in the wake of high-profile cases of footballers racially abusing their opponents during matches.{{cite news |date=25 October 2012 |title=Jason Roberts continues Kick It Out T-shirt stance |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20082553 |access-date=12 January 2020}}
In December 2007, the News of the World published an article about Richards when he was involved in an incident in a disabled toilet. Although Sven-Goran Eriksson was upset by the incident, Richards faced no disciplinary action by the club.{{cite news |date=24 December 2007 |title=Micah ticked off |work=Manchester Evening News |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/micah-ticked-off-1015146 |access-date=12 January 2020}} In February 2009, Richards was arrested for alleged assault of a man outside of a nightclub in Hale, Greater Manchester, at around 12.30am.{{cite news |date=5 February 2009 |title=Micah Richards arrested over 'assault' |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/micah-richards-arrested-over-assault-1546747.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/micah-richards-arrested-over-assault-1546747.html |archive-date=12 May 2022}}
{{cite news |last=Britten |first=Nick |date=5 February 2009 |title=Footballer Micah Richards arrested |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/mancity/4524356/Footballer-Micah-Richards-arrested.html |url-status=dead |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208205014/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/mancity/4524356/Footballer-Micah-Richards-arrested.html |archive-date=8 February 2009}} Ultimately, prosecutors decided to press no charges and the case was dropped.{{cite news |date=14 April 2009 |title=Micah in clear over 'assault' |publisher=Manchester Evening News |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/micah-in-clear-over-assault-916534 |access-date=12 January 2020}}
In February 2022, Richards and Chris Sutton spoke about mental health issues in their playing careers.{{Cite news |title=Richards & Sutton open up on mental health |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60296727}}
Career statistics
=Club=
| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||||
| rowspan=2|Club
!rowspan=2|Season !colspan=3|League !colspan=2|National cup !colspan=2|League cup !colspan=2|Europe !colspan=2|Other !colspan=2|Total | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan=11|Manchester City
|2005–06{{soccerbase season|41665|2005|access-date=27 July 2019}} |13 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 16 | 1 | |||
| 2006–07{{soccerbase season|41665|2006|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Premier League |28 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 34 | 1 | |||
| 2007–08{{soccerbase season|41665|2007|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Premier League |25 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 29 | 0 | |||
| 2008–09{{soccerbase season|41665|2008|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Premier League |34 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Cup}} | 0 | colspan=2|— | 50 | 1 | ||
| 2009–10{{soccerbase season|41665|2009|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Premier League |23 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 29 | 2 | |||
| 2010–11{{soccerbase season|41665|2010|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Premier League |18 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | colspan=2|— | 31 | 3 | ||
| 2011–12{{soccerbase season|41665|2011|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Premier League |29 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4{{efn|One appearance in UEFA Champions League, three UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | 1{{efn|name=FACS|Appearance in FA Community Shield}} | 0 | 37 | 1 | |
| 2012–13{{soccerbase season|41665|2012|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Premier League |7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1{{efn|name=UCL|Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2013–14{{soccerbase season|41665|2013|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Premier League |2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3{{efn|name=UCL}} | 0 | colspan=2|— | 10 | 0 | ||
| 2014–15{{soccerbase season|41665|2014|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Premier League |0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 1{{efn|name=FACS}} | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||||
| colspan=2|Total
!179||6||22||3||11||0||31||0||2||0||245||9 | ||||||||||||
| |Fiorentina (loan)
|2014–15{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/micah-richards/2852/ |title=M. Richards: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=27 July 2019}} |10 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 7{{efn|name=UEL}} | 0 | colspan=2|— | 19 | 0 | |||
| rowspan=5|Aston Villa
|2015–16{{soccerbase season|41665|2015|access-date=27 July 2019}} |Premier League |24 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 28 | 2 | |||
| 2016–17{{soccerbase season|41665|2016|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 3 | 0 | |||
| 2017–18{{soccerbase season|41665|2017|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Championship |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2018–19{{soccerbase season|41665|2018|access-date=27 July 2019}}
|Championship |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| colspan=2|Total
!26||1||3||1||2||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||31||2 | ||||||||||||
| colspan=3|Career total
!215||7||27||4||13||0||38||0||2||0||295||11 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
:Source:{{NFT player |id=17411 |name=Richards, Micah |access-date=27 July 2019}}
| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="7"|England
|2006 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2007 | 10 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 | |
| colspan=2|Total||13||1 |
:England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Richards goal.
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition |
| scope=col|No.
!scope=col|Date !scope=col|Venue !scope=col|Cap !scope=col|Opponent !scope=col|Score !scope=col|Result !scope=col|Competition !scope=col|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| scope=row style=text-align:center|1
|8 September 2007||Wembley Stadium, London, England||align=center|6||{{fb|Israel}}||align=center|3–0||align=center|3–0||UEFA Euro 2008 qualification||align=center|{{cite news |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |title=England 3–0 Israel |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6983518.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=8 September 2007 |access-date=15 June 2016}} |
Honours
Manchester City
- Premier League: 2011–12{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/2925/Micah-Richards/overview |title=Micah Richards: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=9 December 2017}}
- FA Cup: 2010–11
England U21
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up: 2009{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/under21/match/2001198--germany-vs-england/ |title=Germany 4–0 England: Lineups |publisher=UEFA |access-date=11 July 2020}}
Individual
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Great Britain men's football squad 2012 Summer Olympics}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Richards, Micah}}
Category:Footballers from Birmingham, West Midlands
Category:Footballers from Leeds
Category:English men's footballers
Category:English association football commentators
Category:England men's youth international footballers
Category:England men's under-21 international footballers
Category:England men's international footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Leeds United F.C. players
Category:Oldham Athletic A.F.C. players
Category:Manchester City F.C. players
Category:ACF Fiorentina players
Category:Aston Villa F.C. players
Category:Premier League players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Olympic footballers for Great Britain
Category:Footballers at the 2012 Summer Olympics
Category:English expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Italy
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in Italy
Category:Black British sportsmen
Category:21st-century Black British people
Category:English people of Saint Kitts and Nevis descent
Category:Sportspeople of Saint Kitts and Nevis descent
Category:Television personalities from Yorkshire