Micah Richards has admitted that he is "gutted" to have called time on his Manchester City career, having joined Aston Villa on a free contract this summer.

The 27-year-old penned a four-year deal at Villa Park last month to bring an end to his 10-year spell with the Citizens.

Richards still holds many fond memories of his time at the club, particularly under the watch of former boss Roberto Mancini, and insists that he will make a return one day.

"For me [Mancini] was amazing," he told citytv. "He played me all the time when I was fit. I probably had my best season under Mancini. He definitely improved me as a player.

"City have stuck by me and it's definitely the club of my heart. When I finish I've always said I would want to come back in some capacity. I'm gutted to be leaving but it's the right decision for me and I've got a lot of amazing memories."

Aston Villa start their season with a trip to face Bournemouth at Dean Court on August 8.