"Never been so nervous in my life" - Micah Richards recalls how he downed 10 drinks and faked injury to skip Manchester City game

Former Manchester City star and pundit Micah Richards opened up about a time he faked an injury to miss a match for the Cityzens.

The ex-Aston Villa defender shared he didn't expect to play this fixture as he was returning from injury. Resultantly, he ended up downing 10 drinks the night before the aforementioned game.

However, Richards was called up by Manchester City's then-manager Manuel Pellegrini to play the match. Recalling the incident, he told The Rest is Football podcast (via The Sun):

"Because I was probably a late shout for the squad, I've got all the alcohol in my fridge. So I'm thinking ‘I've just come back from injury, I'm not going to be playing, I'll have one.' One turns to two, two turns to three, before you know it I'm ten drinks down!"

He added:

"I get a call in the morning, someone's injured. I've never been so nervous in my life! The manager has a conversation, 'are you playing or not playing?' So I was just like to the manager 'I'm not ready boss, my hamstring's not right'."

"Luckily, the other sub went onto the bench and ended up going on and I didn't have to appear, but that's another true story."

Richards remained with Manchester City till 2015 after deciding to join their youth setup back in 2001. He made 246 senior team appearances across all competitions, bagging nine goals and 14 assists. He won the Premier League twice and the FA Cup once.

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Micah Richards backs his former club Manchester City to beat Arsenal to the Premier League title

Micah Richards (via Getty Images)

Micah Richards backed Manchester City to finish on top of the Premier League once again, claiming that Arsenal will challenge but ultimately finish in second place.

The Cityzens could secure the English top-division title last year after the Gunners led the race for a stunning 248 days. Eventually, Pep Guardiola's side finished five points ahead of the north Londoners (89 and 84).

Speaking about Arsenal's chances on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said:

"I think they will challenge, I think it'll be top two."

However, claiming that Manchester City would be far too big a threat for the Gunners to see off, he added:

"I just think with Man City, who they can apply on the pitch and bring on at any time and the quality they can bring in."

Currently, Arsenal are level on points with the second-placed Manchester outfit in the 2023-24 Premier League campaign. Mikel Arteta's men are behind the Cityzens only in goal difference.