Micah Richards has spoken out about his loan move to Italian club Fiorentina.
The 26-year old right-back is on a season-long loan with La Viola from Manchester City and has explained his reasons for moving to the Stadio Artemi Franchi.
"I have been a player for 12 years at City," Richards told reporters. "In the past year, 18 months, I have not played as much.
"I had other offers, but the project at Fiorentina was very impressive. I believe that I can help us to achieve our goals, together with my teammates.
"As you know, I had a serious knee injury. When I returned, (Pablo) Zabaleta had taken over my starting spot.
"I would have liked to have continued the adventure with City, I was also offered a renewal, but my objective was to try a new adventure in another European League."
Richards added: "I have not spoken of clear objectives, we want to do well, perhaps in being able to qualify for the Champions League.
"I have always watched Serie A from the outside. The pace is less, but there is more on tactics and technique. On these things I hope to improve, making use of the work done with (former City boss) Roberto Mancini."
