Aston Villa’s latest signing Micah Richards has admitted that new team-mate, Fabian Delph has asked him about life at Manchester City.
The right-back was a key first=team player at the Citizens before injuries caused him to fall out of favour with boss Manuel Pellegrini who often opted for Pablo Zabaleta.
Richards, 27, speaking about Delph stated that although he has recently signed a new deal at Villa Park, he can see why an offer from the oil-rich club would be tempting for the former-Leeds man.
“He won’t want to go there to be a rotation option, but if he gets assurances that he’s going to get regular first team football, then it’s up to him.”
It’s thought that the prospect of playing in the Champions League is the main reason why Delph is said to be weighing up his options with Man City waiting in the wings: “If he (Manuel Pellegrini) wants to give him the chance to play then it’s hard to turn down Champions League football.”
However, despite recent English players such as Richards and fellow Villa player Scott Sinclair having turbulent times on the blue half of Manchester. Richards doesn’t believe the club is anti-English when it comes to playing staff: “People think Manuel Pellegrini doesn’t like English players, but it’s nothing to do with that. Look at Joe Hart he gets in the team every week, If you are good enough, you will play.”
Manchester City are hoping to take Delph to the Etihad to add more depth to their midfield and to meet the UEFA requirements for homegrown players.
Could His England Chances Be Harmed?
However, Richards suggested if Delph isn’t given the chance to play at Manchester City; it could majorly harm his chances of him playing for England at Euro 2016.
“If you go to Man City and play 10 games and someone else plays 35, has an incredible season, that player is going to play for England. Things can change before you know it.”
Villa new signings said that Delph has been “playing well” but also pointed out the “difficult decision” when considering a potential move away.
Richards was speaking to Sky Sports after the Villa kit launch last night. If you missed it you can find our live-blog of the launch here.
