Micah Richards has dismissed transfer speculation linking him away from Manchester City, revealing he wants to end his career as a one-club man.
The 25-year-old made his City debut eight years ago under Stuart Pearce against Arsenal and has since made 232 appearances for the Citizens.
And despite losing his right-back berth to Pablo Zabaleta last season, Richards insists the Etihad Stadium is the only place he wants to be.
“Manchester City is my club and I’ve never considered playing anywhere else,” he told City’s official website.
“I think there has been speculation because I’ve got two years left on my contract and Pablo Zabaleta had a fantastic season.
“The main thing is to be playing. I know there are a lot of games and I don’t expect to play every game.
“But the season we won the title me and Zaba rotated really well together so if we can do that this season I’ll be happy.”
The England international experienced an injury-hit campaign last season, playing only eight times after tearing knee cartilage.
Despite having won the FA Cup and Premier League title in two of the past three seasons, Richards and City ended last season empty-handed.
The Blues have reacted to losing the title by spending more than £100million this summer on Jesus Navas, Fernandinho, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic.
The summer acquisitions are something Richards believes will be crucial in helping to wrestle the title back from bitter rivals, Manchester United.
“Last season we were a bit short on numbers and in the end it showed with the massive gap with United,” he added.
“Their squad has become amazing now and they’ve got just as good a side as us now so it’ll be tough this year but we’re looking forward to the challenge.
“People think you just need a good starting eleven, but you need a strong squad to challenge for places and come in and compete when necessary.”
Picture courtesy CityTV via YouTube, with thanks.
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