Richards happy to stay at City

DEFENDER Micah Richards wants to stay at Manchester City — and insists his best is yet to come.

The England international, who was at Athletic’s centre of excellence between the ages of nine and 14, was linked with a £12 million move to Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the month.

That speculation alerted Athletic, who have a 20-per-cent sell-on clause of the transfer fee.

But Richards, who is enjoying a good run of games under new manager Roberto Mancini, is in no hurry to leave Eastlands.

He said: “Everyone seems to get linked with someone at various stages of the season and me more than most.

“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. Why would I want to leave a club that is so obviously on the up and up?

“There is still so much for me to learn and my best is to come, and this will be a great place to be in coming seasons, I am sure of that.”

Blues boss Mancini has told Richards he has the potential to become a great player.

The 21-year-old, who is preparing for tomorrow’s Premier League game at Everton, scored a fine goal in the 4–1 defeat of Blackburn Rovers.

His good form could force England manager Fabio Capello to hand him a recall in World Cup year.

Richards’ priority, though, is to continue to improve after a pat on the back from Mancini.


CHELSEA must pay Manchester City an initial fee of £3.5million for Daniel Sturridge — but the transfer could eventually cost the Londoners around £7m.

The Professional Football Compensation Committee hearing ruled a compensation payment of £3.5million was due, with additional payments of £500,000 due after each of 10, 20, 30 and 40 first–team competitive appearances in all competitions.

A further payment of £1million will be due if Sturridge makes a full international appearance.