Micah Richards reveals Roberto Di Matteo blocked a move from Aston Villa to West Ham in 2016 because he needed his 'experience' in the dressing room as he claims they REFUSED to 'offload him'... and preferred him to stay and not play!

Daily Mail | February 19, 2021

Micah Richards has lifted the lid on why he remained at Aston Villa despite limited game time in his four years at the club.

The former defender was Villa captain when they were relegated from the Premier League in the 2015-16 season with some fans associating that woeful campaign with Richards.

The Englishman, who won the Premier League twice, FA Cup and League Cup with Manchester City prior to joining Aston Villa in 2015, has opened up on why he remained at Villa Park.

Micah Richards has lifted the lid on why he remained at Aston Villa despite limited game time

Richards struggled for minutes at Villa Park

He was captain when Villa were relegated from the Premier League in the 2015-16 season

Richards was captain when Villa were relegated from the Premier League in 2015-16 season

Roberto Di Matteo intervened to block Richards' possible switch to West Ham back in 2016

Roberto Di Matteo replaced Remi Garde at Villa for the 2016-17 campaign and the manager intervened to block a possible switch for Richards to West Ham.