Ex-England defender Micah Richards set for Man City role after retiring aged 31

MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed the retirement of former player Micah Richards.

After succumbing to a long-term knee injury, the 31-year-old will return to his old club in an off-pitch role.

The news was confirmed on Friday after Richards' release from Aston Villa.

In fact, he hadn't played for the club since October 2016.

And his last appearance in a matchday squad was a spot on the bench in an EFL Cup defeat to Middlesbrough almost two years ago.

Richards' decline was in sad contrast to his emergence at City, where he was a consistent fixture in the first-team until falling out of favour in 2012.

During his pomp, he won 13 caps for England and appeared for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics as one of Stuart Pearce's three overage players.

Among the defender's crowning moments were his spells captaining the team and role in their Premier League title victory of 2012, having won the FA Cup the year before.

However, he couldn't repeat that form in a loan spell at Fiorentina or subsequent stint with struggling Villa.

Ahead of his return, Richards told the Manchester club's website: “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.

“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.”