Micah Richards has revealed that he snubbed suitors in the Premier League to join Fiorentina on loan.
Newcastle United and West Ham United had been linked with a move for the Manchester City defender before he made a season-long switch to Serie A on deadline day.
Richards, though, was enticed by the prospect of rejuvenating his career with the "exciting project" on offer in Italy, and has admitted that discussions with ex-City teammate Stefan Savic persuaded him that Fiorentina was the right option.
"This was the most exciting project and fantastic fans," Richards told Sky Sport Italia.
"I had options between the Premier League and Serie A, but I chose Fiorentina because this was the most interesting project and the fans are fantastic.
"The directors convinced me, there are great players and I spoke about it to Savic, who I knew from City. I am really getting into Italian football. I feel right at home already."
Richards could make his Fiorentina debut when they host Genoa next weekend.
Joe Fish
