Former Man City defender Richards reveals biggest regret of his career

Micah Richards has revealed that leaving Manchester City was the biggest regret of his career but admitted it was a decision he had to make.

He told Kickback : "I have regrets because I should have stayed at Manchester City.

"At the same time, if you aren't going to play, what's the point?

"If I hadn't won a Premier League or any silverware, I probably would have signed a deal until I won something."

Richards highlighted the form of Pablo Zabaleta as the main reason behind his decision to depart with the Argentine firmly establishing himself as first choice under Pellegrini.

Opening up on his relationship with the Italian boss, Richards felt that he was only being kept at the club to meet the Premier League's homegrown quota.

"Zabaleta was clearly first-choice so I had to leave. It hurt me and it hurts me now talking about it. I got offered a five-year deal to stay," he added.

"The club had an English quota and I genuinely believe that Pellegrini wanted to keep me just for the quota and use me when Zabaleta wanted a rest.

"Zabaleta cemented himself as number one which was hard to take. I had to leave, so that's my biggest regret, but I had to do it."