Richards signs new deal

Man City defender Micah Richards has signed a new contract with the club until 2013. The defender had been the subject of interest from Premiership rivals Arsenal.

Richards, 19 years old, has signed a five and a half year contract for the blues, although the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea were interested in his signature.

Richards has been one of CIty's best players this season despite being onlu 19. He has already one a few caps for the England international side under Steve Mclaren and will be hoping to earn more under Capello.

Richards expressed his delight after having signed a new deal, "I have always wanted to be at this club and signing this contract shows that - it puts all the speculation to bed and I can concentrate on the rest of the season now.

"The manager has been great. We're going to fight for Europe, which is a massive achievement.

"I try to put in 100% every match and hopefully I can keep playing that way and playing for my country as well."

City's chief executive Alistair Mackintosh, who had been involved in the contract negotiations, said: "It is absolutely tremendous news.

"It is the longest deal, certainly in my memory, in the club's history. The manager is delighted, (City's owner) Dr Thaksin is delighted and I am personally delighted.

"We have worked well with Micah and his father in putting together an appropriate deal.

"It has always been my goal to sign our young players up on long term contracts to provide a solid foundation, going forward, as we continue to invest in the team."