Former England international Micah Richards has retired from football after a 14-year career, which included spells at Aston Villa and Manchester City.
The 31-year-old finished his playing career with Aston Villa, making his last appearance for the club in October 2016. He won 13 caps for the English national team and also spent time on loan with Italian side Fiorentina.
He played for Manchester City for 10 years and won an FA Cup in 2011, and a Premier League title a year later under Roberto Mancini.
Speaking about retiring, Richards said to ManCity.com that it was the club he always loved, "City has always been my spiritual home and where I enjoyed my best years as a player.
"Being part of the side that ended the long wait for silverware - in 2011 and 2012 - was very special. It kick-started this new era and the club has never looked back. What has happened since has been amazing."
Once a Blue, always a Blue 💙
Micah Richards has announced his retirement from football after losing a lengthy battle with an injured knee.
But he'll be back working with us again very soon...
🔵 #mancityhttps://t.co/IgTCcVn4oi
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 26, 2019
"I feel lucky to have been asked back to help spread the City message and can’t wait to get going. I know it will be fun because City fans are incredible and always have been.”
He also said his constant injuries were a frustration for him, “I’m a footballer and I want to play football, but the knee would swell up to the point where I couldn’t even train properly. I would have liked to have given Aston Villa more on the pitch, but it just wasn’t to be.
“I finish my playing days happy that I reached the level that I did. I won the Premier League and the FA Cup, played for England and represented Great Britain at an Olympic Games. I consider myself blessed and I am looking forward to renewing my many friendships at City. It is a special place that looks after its own.
“Whether I eventually take coaching badges and stay on that side of the game may be a decision for another time.”
He will now take up a job working with Manchester City in an off-the-field role.
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