Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards takes a moment to answer 20 questions about himself

Manchester City's Micah Richards reveals his most embarrassing moments in football - and which team-mate once ran a staggering 50km during a week's training.

Power play: But Manchester City's Micah Richards admits Steven Gerrard is his favourite player Photo: 

 

How do you like to spend your time away from football?

I’m quite boring away from football, chilling with my mates and having down time with my family. When I was younger I would go out and get a buzz off seeing people.

What other sports do you like?

I’ve just started taking up golf. Joleon Lescott is getting into it and told me I had to start. I also went to America on holiday a few years ago and got really into basketball and the Boston Celtics. Rajon Rondo is my favourite player — he is not the most hyped up but he is class.

What music do you listen to?
I’m quite versatile but, if it was one, I like Drake [a Canadian rapper].

What is your favourite TV show?
It’s an old one but it has to be the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Even now, every time I watch it, I’m still in stitches.
Favourite film. And film star. And if someone had to play you in a movie?
 
Lord of the Rings, the trilogy, it is amazing. My favourite actor is Denzel Washington, he’s a smooth character so he could play me too!
Favourite other sportsman ever (apart from Muhammad Ali)?
 
Tiger Woods, for what he has done, and also Pele. Even if a lot of Pele’s goals came in America, to score over 1,000 goals and win a World Cup at 17 were unbelievable achievements.

Favourite reading material, books/magazines?
I’m very into my cars. I always ready the Top Gear magazines just to see what cars are out next and what sort of performance they give. It can range from the smallest cars to the biggest ones. It doesn’t really matter. I find all cars attractive and like knowing what they have to offer.

Best place to go out – up north and down south?
The restaurant everyone is talking about here is Australasia. The fish is fantastic. One of my favourites is a Chinese called Wings. I have been going there since I was 17. I don’t see much down south but, when I come down, there is a restaurant in Mayfair that is unbelievable, amazing but I’ve forgotten what it is called!

What is your car – and what was your first car?
My first car was an Audi A3. I was saving for about three years for it. I don’t have any car at the moment because I am banned from driving. I’m getting lifts off one of my mates but my ban is up in six weeks’ times. I’ll get something comfortable.

Most embarrassing moment in career?
I tried to clear the ball in the Champions League last year, kicked it really hard and it smashed me right in the face. I got a lot of abuse about that. Off the pitch, everyone says I and Mario Balotelli look alike, but I don’t think so. A fan was waiting for a long time after a game for me. When I came out it turned out he was waiting as he thought I was Mario. He was pretty disappointed!

Home
In the City dressing room who...is the biggest poser?
It used to be Mario but I’d have to say Joleon Lescott now. He takes so long to get ready.

...is the worst dresser?
Pablo Zabaleta. It can be horrendous.
...has the biggest headphones?
Yaya Toure has always got some big headphones.

...is the keenest in training?
James Milner. One week in training he ran 50km. It’s insane — he is the fittest man I have ever seen. We wear monitors in training every day so we know exactly who is running how far and who has done what. They have everything on system so you can’t lie.

...is the funniest?
Aleksandar Kolarov is pretty funny. When we did the Harlem Shake at City everyone was trying to keep their serious face. He is one of the funniest at the club.
Away
 
Hardest player to play against?
Gareth Bale has been the hardest so far. I’ve had Ronaldo in the past when he was at United. But I remember playing Gareth Bale even before everyone knew what he could do. I was like a guinea pig — he was trying all this stuff on me. I think he was a left back and that is when I thought ‘this guy is special’. Normally I’m stronger or as fast as my opponent at least. But he was faster or the same speed, as strong as me and he was fitter than me. He gave me a torrid afternoon and I didn’t know how to defend against him.

Best ground played at (apart from Etihad)?
I’d have to say the Emirates. I grew up as an Arsenal fan.
Best goal scored?
It was against Blackburn a few season ago at home. I’d run a long way from inside my own half, played Benjani in, he hit the post and I just put it in. It was a pretty decent goal.

Best goal seen scored?
There are two. The Wayne Rooney one when they beat us 2-1 and he scored that ridiculous overhead kick. Also Elano’s free-kick against Newcastle about four season ago. He said before he did it that he was going to put it right in the top corner.

Favourite player ever seen play?
Steven Gerrard. Every time I play against him, he is the best player. He’s strong, he is fast, good technically, great passer, he can score and he has got leadership qualities, a 9/10 at everything. I wouldn’t say a 10/10 — then you are talking Messi or Ronaldo but he is only one step behind them. He is one of the best ever in my opinion.