Micah Richards Bio Send To Friend  

Richards emerged in 2006 to become one of the hottest properties in the English game. A full England international, the defender has been on the radar of the top clubs, but suffered a lack of form that saw his profile decline.

A versatile defender who can play at full-back, centre-back or even midfield anchorman, he has not lived up to his obvious potential but remains an important player for City.

Richards actually began his career down with road with Oldham Athletic before switching to City at the age of 14, where he starred in their youth teams.

His chance would soon come and he got his debut in February 2006 against Charlton Athletic; while his rise to national prominence came with a fine headed extra-time FA Cup equaliser against Aston Villa.

The summer of 2006 saw him linked with moves to other clubs but City offered him a four-year deal that was signed before the start of the 2006-07 season and he was rewarded with a first-team role and his first call-up for his country when he became England's youngest ever defender, in a friendly with Holland.

Richards continued to improve in 2007-08 and became England's first choice right-back in the absence of the injured Gary Neville; but his versatility appeared to be an issue under Fabio Capello. With Richards playing as a central defender for City, Capello opted to play Glen Johnson at right-back instead and the City man dropped out of the international scene.

He penned another new contract in February 2008 to run until the summer of 2013, underlining his commitment to City. However, just days later a knee injury ended his season prematurely.

Under Mark Hughes, Richards nailed down the right-back berth, with the intention of doing the same for England. Having overcome being diagnosed with Swine flu while on holiday in Cyprus before the 2009-10 season, Richards still has the potential to be a big player for club and country in years to come.