 Richards had been linked with moves to Chelsea and Arsenal |
Manchester City's England defender Micah Richards has signed a new five-and-a-half year deal at Eastlands. The versatile 19-year-old was already under contract at City until 2010 but has agreed new and improved terms to keep him at the club until June 2013.
Richards plays at centre-back for City but at right-back for England.
He was in new England manager Fabio Capello's first squad for Wednesday's match against Switzerland but a back injury meant he could not feature.
Richards has won 11 international caps and scored one international goal.
 | This is fantastic news, it shows we are building for the future by securing one of our most talented players on the longest term contract Man City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson |
He began talks about extending his City contract at the start of the season and has finally reached agreement on a new deal.
Richards joined City from Oldham's academy in 2002 and has recently been linked with moves to Chelsea and Arsenal.
He told City's website: "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 boss Sven-Goran Eriksson added: "This is fantastic news, it shows we are building for the future by securing one of our most talented players on the longest term contract."
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Richards has been in impressive form at the heart of City's defence this season alongside club captain Richard Dunne.
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."
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