Having ended any speculation about a move away and put pen to paper on a four-year deal at City, Micah Richards has spoken exclusively to mcfc.co.uk about his hopes for this season and the future.
“It feels great to have signed. I only ever wanted to stay at City and for me career wise I think it’s the right choice,” said Micah.
“It’s always flattering when you see or hear that other clubs are interested in you, but for me it was unimportant.”
With the deal done, Richards can now concentrate on the coming campaign: “I’m just happy to be here and looking forward to the start of the season.
“I see us definitely having a top ten finish this season. With the signings we’ve had come in and Joey signing his new deal now as well it’s all looking good for the Club.”
After rising quickly through the ranks last year, the 18-year-old comfortably beat his own expectations of breaking through in to the first team.
“Last season I said if I played one game I’d be happy and I ended up playing a part in 16. So this year the sky’s the limit and anything is possible as to what me personally and the team can achieve.
“I want to go as far as possible this season after what happened last year. But it is all about working hard and continuing to improve as a player and a person.
“I was just saying to Joey that I’ve set myself a target of five goals for the season and I think I’ve got a chance because last season I was an inch away so many times from set pieces.”
After ending the season playing centre midfield, centre half and right back in such a short space of time, which position would the versatile youngster like to play in once the season gets underway?
“I’d like to play at centre back, but obviously with Sylvain and Richard there, I might have to push to play at right back.”
So with a new contract and new season comes a new number for Micah. He has moved from 45, the last number in the squad, up to number two.
“It just makes me feel more a part of the squad now and hopefully part of the starting XI – but it’s nice to have the number two shirt. I was last on grid and now I’m second”, joked Micah.
“It’s not about the number that you have though is it? It’s all about getting a game for the team and I just can’t wait for the start of the season.”
