Fiorentina right-back Micah Richards is convinced that he has made the right choice in moving to Italy.
The England international ended a 13-year spell at Premier League champions Manchester City by moving to La Viola on a season-long loan, and is pleased that he finally saw it fit to leave his home country.
“I could have stayed in England if I had only thought about money,” the defender told The Guardian.
“I don’t speak Italian or know anyone in Florence but I think I made the right choice in moving here. Serie A is a nice championship and Florence is a beautiful place. I must also add that the people have been very kind to me since day one.”
Richards also revealed that he almost moved to the Serie A a few years ago, but then-manager Roberto Mancini put a stop to the move.
“In the past I was close to moving to Juventus but Mancini put a stop to my sale.
“I had a great relationship with the Italian coach, he wasn’t diplomatic and always said what he thought.
“He called me Swarowski because I always got hurt and said that I was made of crystal. However I played the best football of my career under him.”