Micah Richards has revealed that he rejected an improved contract from Manchester City before agreeing to move on loan to Fiorentina.

It was confirmed on Monday that the defender would spend the season in Serie A, and he claims that the offer of playing regularly was too good an offer to turn down after a difficult couple of years at the Etihad Stadium.

"I'm desperate to play football," Richards told talkSPORT. "It's been a frustrating two years at Manchester City. It's my club and I've given blood, sweat and tears for them. When you find yourself not playing, it's hard.

"I was offered a new contract and I had a long think about it. I was offered more money at City, but it's not about the money. It's about playing football now."

Fiorentina are believed to have the option to sign Richards to a permanent deal next summer.