Aston Villa new boy Micah Richards admitted he had other choices when making a call on his future.

The 27-year old defender left Manchester City earlier this summer to join Villa on a free transfer but could have ended up elsewhere if it weren't for the influence of new manager Tim Sherwood.

"I did have other options," he told Sky Sports.

"But I spoke to the manager, and he knew what I needed as a player to get back playing regularly. He just understood my situation more than anyone.

"He told me what I wanted to hear."