Aston Villa defender Micah Richards has confessed that it will be "strange" for him to play against former club Manchester City for the first time in his career.

The 27-year-old played for the Citizens for 14 years before he moved to the Midlands club in the summer on a free transfer.

However, he has insisted that his affinity for his old club will not deter him from going all out for the victory in Remi Garde's first match as Villa boss this afternoon.

He told the club's official website: "It will be a strange feeling facing City. I have never played against them before. But it's a game we are desperate to win. As much as I want them to do well and win the league, we need the three points.

"There are some really good people there. I had 14 years there and they were amazing with me. I wish them well always. They put me on the map. But this weekend, on the pitch, there's absolutely no time for sentiment, whatsoever.

"When you leave a club, you always have them in your heart and have respect for them but my total commitment is Villa - and helping us climb this table as soon as possible. We're determined to do that and we want to start this weekend. It would be amazing to get our first home league win of the season against Man City."

Villa are bottom of the Premier League ahead of their clash against City later today.