Richards commits to City
08 Feb 2008 - 17:36:26
England international Micah Richards has ended speculation about his future by penning a new deal that will keep him at Manchester City until the end of the 2012-13 season.
The 19-year-old was already under contract at Eastlands until 2010 but has now agreed new and improved terms.
The teenager made his City debut in October 2005 and has already appeared in 77 first-team matches for the club.
Richards has also played 11 times for his country after making his debut in the friendly international draw with the Netherlands in November 2006.
City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh is delighted with the news, telling City's official website: "It's absolutely tremendous news for the club.
"It's the longest deal, certainly in my memory, of the club's history. The manager's delighted, Dr Thaksin's delighted and I'm personally delighted.
"We've worked well with Micah and his father in putting together an appropriate deal.
"It's 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."
City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is also pleased with the development, adding: "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."