Micah Richards can't see himself returning to Manchester City.
The defender is on-loan with Fiorentina.
"I would never say never but if I am being realistic I don't think I will," he said. "Signing a new contract with City would have been the easy way out.
"It is the club closest to my heart, I would love to stay there. But ultimately it comes down to how much you play.
"After I got injured, Zabaleta established himself as the No 1 right-back. And I hold my hands up, he did. But there comes a time in your career where you have to do what is best for you.
"Coming to Fiorentina was the right decision. Just for another experience, another culture. I can say I have done it. I could have signed on again at City and I might play another 30 games or I might have played another 200 games but I didn't want to take the chance. I would rather come out [to Italy] and have more of a chance to play."
