• Defender turned down Internazionale, Sunderland and West Ham • Richards pays tribute to Manchester City supporters on his Instagram account

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Micah Richards will take his medical examination at Aston Villa on Tuesday to complete a free transfer from Manchester City and resurrect his career in the Premier League after a year on loan with Fiorentina.

Richards has turned down the chance to join his former manager at City, Roberto Mancini, at Internazionale to accept Villa’s terms and also attracted interested from Sunderland, West Ham and Everton.

The former England defender, who joined City from Oldham Athletic’s academy in 2001, paid tributes to supporters on Friday via his Instagram account.

“I just wanted to thank the Man City fans for the amazing support they’ve given me over the years,” Richards wrote.

“I joined City when I was 14 and have been part of a brilliant period in the club’s history – winning our first league title in 44 years, winning the FA Cup, playing in the Champions League.

“The club, the manager, the staff who work behind the scenes, the players, but most importantly the fans – everyone – will always have a special place in my heart.

“City’s been like a family to me and I wish everyone the best of luck for next season and the coming years.”

Richards won two league titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup with City but last featured for Manuel Pellegrini’s side in a home defeat to Wigan in March 2014.