Returning Micah Richards reckons teammate Pablo Zabaleta is Manchester City’s player of the season – but admits being green with envy at having to watch the fellow right-back’s success.
England defender Richards – who made 37 appearances in City’s title winning season – has been a virtual spectator this time around after knee surgery last October.
In comparison, Argentine Zabaleta has flourished, racking up 35 appearances and three goals – an effort begrudgingly acknowledged by the unfortunate Richards.
“I’ve watched the lads this season and obviously Zaba has been playing at right-back and he’s been my player of the season so far,” he told the Daily Mirror.
“Zaba’s been incredible and he deserves all the plaudits he’s been getting. But I can’t help thinking I wish it was me.”
Nearing full fitness, the 24-year-old is targeting next Monday’s Manchester derby as his first opportunity to start wrestling the right-back spot back off Zabaleta.
And while heaping praise on the former Espanyol man, a frustrated Richards could not help but reflect on what might have been had he been injury free.
“Last season, both Zaba and me were playing well so we tended to chop and change and both of us had runs in the team,” he said.
“Now because he’s had a good run in the team, he’s proved he’s one of the best defenders around and has fantastic commitment and desire. I think we’re very similar in that way.
“If I’d been fit, I think I’d have had a similarly-successful season and that’s where the frustration kicks in.”
The powerful defender’s troubles started last summer when he picked up an ankle injury while representing Great Britain at the Olympics.
Battling back to fitness, he then managed just four appearances before being stretchered off against Swansea City with the recent knee injury.
But rebuffing the notion that he was injury prone, Richards suggested it was instead a case of his body suffering from the rigors of playing top-level football from an early age.
“I’ve been playing since I was 17 and playing at the highest level takes its toll on your body,” he said. “It comes with the territory when you break through so young.
“I had my first cartilage operation about five years ago and I was always going to need another at some point.
“I don’t think I came back too soon, just that there was an inevitability that it would happen sooner or later.
“I’ve had it repaired again and touch wood, it won’t happen again.
“But it can’t be ruled out because of the wear and tear caused by playing so many games at a young age and the stresses and strains of being a Premier League footballer.”
Image courtesy of MCFCofficial, via YouTube, with thanks
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