City's Longest-Serving Player Set to Leave Despite Contract Offer – Report

Manchester City defender Micah Richards has decided to end his stay at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, according to reports.

Richards, who has played almost 250 games since his debut in 2005, joined the City's ranks when he was 14 years old – and it appears his stay at the Etihad is finally at an end.

Following Manuel Pellegrini's arrival, Pablo Zabaleta has established himself as the Chilean's first-choice right-back, which has restricted Richards to just 10 first-team starts this season.

In an attempt to secure greater first-team opportunities, the 25-year-old has reportedly decided to leave even though City are ready to offer him a new deal with improved terms.

According to The Guardian, City would be willing to accept an offer of just over €8m for the player, who took Rio Ferdinand's record as the youngest defender to win an England cap.

Richards was nominated for Ciry's player of the year award in the season he made his England bow, and has been described by Gareth Bale as the most difficult opponent he faced in England.

However, there have been times this season when he has been fully fit and not even among the substitutes.

City's longest-serving player has attracted the interest of many suitors, including Liverpool and Newcastle but Arsenal are the team who would have most chance of signing the player - Richards has reportedly been a Gunners fan since childhood.

But the Londoners are waiting to see what happens with Bacary Sagna, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, but looks set to reject the Italians' offer in a continued attempt to win a three-year contract.

James Milner has also been frustrated by his inability to win a regular place in Pellegrini's side and is thinking about his future – although City have the intention of holding talks with him about a new contract.