Former Manchester United Man Kieran Richardson Keen to Step Out of Retirement
By 90min
Former Manchester United defender Kieran Richardson has made a surprise bid to return to professional football.
Richardson, who spent most of his career in the Premier League, has called on clubs to take a leap of faith and help him get back playing again in a plea on Twitter.
The 35-year-old, who signed for Manchester United when he was 16, last turned out for Cardiff City more than three years ago, but he has taken to social media to show his desire to come out of retirement.
The former England international enjoyed more than a decade in the English top-flight and his versatility resulted in him starring at left-back, on the wing and even in central midfield.
After breaking into the United first team in 2002, Richardson clocked up 41 appearances in a five-year spell at Old Trafford, during which he also enjoyed a brief loan stint at West Brom.
It was in a Baggies shirt where Richardson would be part of something special, securing the club's Premier League status on the last day of the 2004/2005 Premier League season.
West Brom started the 'The Great Escape,' bottom of the table but goals from Geoff Horsfield and then Richardson secured a 2-0 home win over Portsmouth and snatched survival.
Richardson proved integral to West Brom avoiding relegation that season, scoring three goals in 12 appearances during his time at the Hawthorns.
He returned to Manchester United the following campaign but after failing to nail down a starting place, he signed for Sunderland where he scored 14 goals in 147 games for the Black Cats.
Throughout his career, Richardson was known for having a wand of a left foot and one moment will always resonate with the Sunderland support.
He became an instant hero among those at the Stadium of Light, following his sublime free-kick which secured a 2-1 derby day win over Newcastle in 2008.
After his time on Tyneside, he appeared for Fulham, Aston Villa and Cardiff before finally calling it a day in December 2016, when he was released.
A veteran of the Premier League but it is Sunderland where Richardson is remembered fondest, so will current boss Phil Parkinson answer his call?
Only time will tell but currently, Sunderland occupy 11th in League One, maybe the experience Richardson would bring could help his old team climb the table?