Micah Richards has revealed that Manchester City chiefs wanted him to extend his stay at the club when they held talks last summer.

The 26-year old defender is out of contract with City at the end of the month and is looking to move on after spending the season on loan at Fiorentina.

Around 12 months ago, Richards spoke with City officials who were keen for him to pen an extension in order to retain one of their British players but the 13-time England international was more intent of taking care of himself by finding regular first team football.

"I had a conversation with (director of football) Txiki Begiristain and (CEO) Ferran Soriano about a year ago, and they told me they wanted me to extend my contract," he said in an interview with the Daily Mail.

"They told me the manager wanted me to stay. I have no problem with Manuel Pellegrini.

"But I just said 'look, I've been here for 12 years. I haven't caused any problems. I've always given 100 per cent. I can't sign. I can't sign for another few years'.

"I know they need to meet their quota of English players, but for my career I felt I had to move on. I couldn't just stay second choice (behind Pablo Zabaleta)."