By Phil Jennings
MICAH Richards has spoken of his ‘frustrating’ spell at Villa after announcing his reitment from professional football.
Villa released Richards, 31, at the end of last season – but the former Manchester City and England defender did not play a game for them after October, 2016.
Richards was held back by a persistent knee injury – and it now set to combine punditry work with a promotional role at City.
He told BBC Sport: “From when I was a young kid I dreamed that I would win the Premier League and play for England and I’m very proud I achieved both.
“My time at Aston Villa was very frustrating because I wanted to play, but my knee would swell up so I could not even train. But it was still an honour to play for them, and I’m just sorry I couldn’t do more for them on the pitch.
“It’s great to be asked to come back and be involved at City, because they hold a special place in my heart. Everyone there took me under their wing right from when I joined.
“I burst on to the scene and did really well when I first broke into the first team at City, but a couple of seasons after that I wasn’t really hitting the heights.
“The fans always stuck with me though. I always appreciate the faith that they had in not giving up on me, and I think they could see that I always gave 100 per cent when I was on the field.”
Villa Roar 