The Blues defender is currently enjoying a rich vein of form that was capped by a spectacular goal in the 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers on Monday night.
And Richards revealed that the new boss has told him to keep his head down and work hard and the rewards will follow.
“He told me that I was a good player but that if I listened and leaned he would turn me into a great player,” revealed the England international who is currently enjoying a stint at the heart of the City defence.
“Those words were really encouraging but I know that it is down to me to work hard. I keep saying it but I am still young at the age of 21-years-old. There are aspects of the game that only come with experience and I am gaining that all the time whether I am in or out of the side.”
Richards has been linked with various moves away from City this season but Mancini has already said that he wants to keep the defender and Richards himself is adamant that he has no desire to leave the Blues.
“Everyone seems to get linked with someone at various stages of the season and me more than most,” smiled Richards.
I have always said that I wanted to stay here so I don’t know why these rumours keep appearing. I have not expressed any wish to leave and yet some people are reporting things as if they are done deals
...Micah Richards
“I know I had a dip in form last season but I believe that I have been better this time around and in recent weeks I have done ok. Why would I want to leave a club that is so obviously on the up and up? All I am concentrating on at the moment is playing well, winning games and staying in the side when the injured players come back.
“There is still so much for me to learn and my best is to come and this will be great place to be in coming seasons I am sure of that.
“It was really great to hear the fans chant for me on Monday night. I think they appreciate that I have come through the Academy and I have an affinity for them and the club. Hopefully we will give them plenty more to sing about in the months ahead.”
