Micah Lincoln Richards

Personalia: Born: 24/6 1988 Birthplace: Birmingham Nationality: England (5/0) Height: 181 cm Weight: 80 kg Position: Right Back or Central Defender Website: http://www.micahrichards.com/ Playing Record:     League FAC LC Season: Club: Apps Gls Apps Gls Apps Gls 2004-2005 Manchester City 0 0 0 0 0 0 2005-2006 Manchester City 13 0 3 1 0 0 2006-2007 Manchester City 28 1 5 0 1 0 2007-2008 Manchester City 25 0 2 0 2 0 2008-2009 Manchester City 34 1 0 0 0 0 Total:   100 2 10 1 3 0

Micah Richards was born in Birmingham but grew up in Leeds. His football potential was spotted by his Primary School school's football coach, who drafted him into the school team at the age of seven. A few years later he played for Leeds City Boys and was signed on schoolboy terms by Oldham Athletic at the age of 12.

Micah made the short move to Manchester City in 2001, with Oldham Athletic reputedly having a significant sell on clause. During the 2005-06 season he captained the Manchester City youth team which reached the final of the FA Youth Cup. Richards missed the first leg of the final as he was on first team duty, but returned for the second leg helping his side to a 2-0 win over Liverpool. However Liverpool won the trophy 3-2 on aggregate.

He soon established himself as an option in defence or as a defensive midfielder. His greatest success has come playing from the right back position where his speed and attacking abilities have come more to its right. After securing a regular place in the City defence and a string of impressive performances Micah was appointed to the England squad ahead of the November 2006 friendly against Holland. After Gary Neville had to pull out the match because of injury England coach Steve McClaren handed the 18-year-old his debut making him the youngest defender ever to have played for England. Richards task was to keep Arjen Robben quiet, which he did brilliantly throughout the game. The match ended 1-1 and Micah got much praise for his efforts both from his teammates and opponents.

Richards has been constantly linked with transfer rumors since his breakthrough. In July 2006 a £5 mill. bid from Tottenham Hotspurs was rejected, and a couple of weeks later he signed a new four-year contract, quashing rumors of a move away from the City of Manchester Stadium.