Micah Richards is one of football’s most beloved pundits right now.
He brings charisma and character to punditry that most others typically lack, renowned for his cackling laugh and distinctly northern accent.
But during his playing days, Richards was a gifted defender. He retired relatively early due to injuries and is still only 34 years of age – Gary Neville once retorted upon finding this fact out, “You should still be f***ing playing!”
Richards came through the academy at Manchester City and broke into the first team at 17 under Stuart Pearce, making his senior England debut a year later and becoming the Three Lions’ youngest ever defender.
Speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day Top 10 show, Richards talked to Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer about the various contract negotiations he held with Man City during his 10-year stay at the Etihad Stadium.
“Stuart Pearce was the manager at the time. I was on five grand a week,” he began.
“He did try to do me one of these times…I was worth it! He offered me double the money, so ten grand a week. But I was just getting in the England [senior team], so I ended up on 50 grand a week! He tried to do me out of 40 grand a week!”
At this point, Lineker and Shearer were in hysterics and laughing to high heavens. “Game’s gone,” the former commented. But the story was about to hit another level.
“You had to have so much English players for the [Premier League and UEFA] quota,” Richards continued.
“So Man City offered me 100 grand a week, five-and-a-half year deal. And I said no.”
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Lineker and Shearer were in disbelief and came to their feet in shock.
“I said no because I was number two behind [Pablo] Zabaleta, so I’m not all about the money!” Richards explained.
When asked if he had recovered from such a financial decision, Richards jokingly replied: “Why do you think I work for every f***ing broadcaster? The worst decision I’ve ever f***ing made!”
“And then to top it off, I went to Aston Villa [in 2015], that was less money. But then we got relegated in the first season, so my wages halved. So I’ve gone from a 100 grand a week offer to like 25 grand a week in the Championship!”
With one final laugh, Lineker said: “No wonder you can’t stand Pablo Zabaleta.”
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