Man City defender Richards denies claims of attitude problems

Manchester City defender Micah Richards denies he's more interested in money than football.

Richards' attitude has been questioned this season and he appears to fallen off radar of England boss Fabio Capello.

But he told the Sunday Mirror: “I don’t know why I’m no longer in the England squad other than to say it’s still my dream to play for my country.

“Every time the squad is announced and my name is missing I am absolutely devastated because with the ability I’ve got I think I should be in there.

“If you look at my ­international career, I’ve played 11 times and in all those games I think I did reasonably well. I certainly didn’t let anyone down.

“Fabio Capello has picked me for a few squads but both times I didn’t even set foot on the pitch. Maybe it’s just part of my education. At the ­moment, though, even with Wes Brown injured I don’t hold out any hope of going to the World Cup.

“Glen Johnson is fit again and James Milner has been drafted in because he can play in midfield or defence. That means my focus has to be to do well for City so we finish in fourth. Anything else would be a big bonus.”

Richards added: “I’ve heard all the stuff that’s been said about my lifestyle – and I don’t think it is fair.

“My idea of someone going off the rails is seeing them out partying or drunk in nightclubs.

“That isn’t me. I am a 21-year-old lad just enjoying his life. I like going out, but I don’t think I’ve ever played the role of a big-time Charlie.”

“I’ve had fun and I will ­continue to have fun – but the main thing in my life is focusing on football.”