Micah Richards admits integrity questioned as Man City guilty verdict leaves him 'devastated'

Micah Richards struggled to hold back his emotions on air after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of 114 charges of breaching Premier League financial rules, covering a period from 2009 to 2018. The former City defender said he feels devastated for supporters and that his own integrity has been put under scrutiny as a result.

City have maintained their innocence throughout the lengthy process and have lodged an appeal against the verdict. Punishment is yet to be determined, leaving the club and its fanbase in a prolonged state of uncertainty.

“I feel devastated, really, for the fans,” Richards said. “Coming through the Man City academy all the way to the first-team, winning trophies, for all that to be in question now is very confusing.”

Richards, who came through City’s academy and went on to win silverware with the club, said the drawn-out nature of the case has compounded his frustration. “I feel let down by the fact that it’s dragged on for so long. Make it easier for the fans. Us as players, what we can do? I’d do anything for this club, but my integrity is being questioned. I’m in a difficult position.”

Despite his personal anguish, Richards suggested the verdict could have a unifying effect inside the dressing room ahead of City’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool. “In terms of Man City, it’ll galvanise the players. We’ve all been in dressing rooms where there is outside noise, you all come together,” he said.

He also acknowledged the conflicting narratives that have defined the case from the start. “You’ve got two sides, one saying there’s charges [of guilt], the other saying there is irrefutable evidence [of innocence]. It just leaves me and fans so devastated.”

Richards underlined the personal cost of his commitment to the club, adding: “I’ve given everything for this club, I’ve literally got one knee… because of this club.” With the appeal ongoing and no sanctions yet handed down, the saga shows little sign of reaching a swift conclusion.