2026-07-18 11:32:55
Micah Richards admitted he didn’t “push” himself hard enough as a player.
The former Manchester City and Aston Villa right-back became the youngest defender selected for England’s first team when he made his full international debut in November 2006 at the age of just 18, and looking back now, he regrets “believing the hype” and not having the right mindset to become one of the world’s greatest.
He told Telegraph Sport: “I played for England at 18 and I remember Alan Hansen saying I could be anything I wanted to be as a player. There were also articles comparing me to Lewis Hamilton. I started believing the hype.
“Before I knew it I was out of my club team at 24. Some of that was due to injury, and some was due to mindset.
“When I look back I did not do everything I needed to do to take me where I needed to be. I rested on my laurels and didn’t push myself. When I realised, it was too late.”
The 38-year-old former player has made a name for himself as a pundit in recent years, and despite already being a favourite with fans, he’s determined to stay driven and not make the same mistakes he did in the past.
He added: “Now, as a broadcaster, no one is going to accuse me of not trying to get the best out of myself.
“I’m not sure I have a life at the moment because I am so obsessed with football. I know I’m doing well, and I don’t need people to tell me, but I don’t feel I’m on the top of my game yet.
“I’m making the most of the opportunities to get there.”
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