Arsenal turned down the chance to sign Micah Richards this summer, opting instead to sign England new boy Calum Chambers from Southampton.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was offered the chance to sign Richards after he fell out of favour at Manchester City under Manuel Pellegrini last season.
But despite selling Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, Wenger instead signed Saints youngster Chambers for £16M.
Richards, 26, signed for Italian side Fiorentina on loan from City as he seeks to play his way back into England reckoning. The fee was £3.5M for a season-long loan, rising to £4.7M should Fiorentina wish to make the deal permanent.
In a statement on his official website, Micah wrote:
“I’ve been at City for 12 years, so I obviously leave with mixed emotions. I’m really looking forward to the new challenge the loan move to Fiorentina will offer, and the chance to play abroad.
“I just wanted to thank all the City fans and staff for their incredible support since I made my debut in 2005. They’re the best fans in the country, and I’ll always love the club.
“For Fiorentina fans, ciao! I’m looking forward to working hard for the team, playing for such a historic club and getting to grips with Italian football.”
Chambers has gone on to have a solid start to the season at Arsenal, and has entered the England fold for the 1-0 Friendly victory over Norway, and tonight’s Euro 2016 qualifying match in Switzerland.
Steve Osborne @SteveOsborne23
