Richards: I didn't influence Delph

New Aston Villa signing Micah Richards has denied he persuaded Fabian Delph to snub Manchester City and stay at the Midlands club.

Richards admitted last week that Delph had asked him about life at Manchester City, where the defender spent the first 10 years of his career.

After a promising start to life at the Manchester club, Richards struggled for game time in recent seasons, and spent the last campaign on loan at Italian side Fiorentina.

Richards said of Delph's proposed move: "It's tough isn't it? If he's got guarantees to play... he's been unbelievable for Aston Villa. Every player wants to play at the highest level. If he's going to be playing Champions League... I don't know, but if he's going there to be a squad player, then no."

And now, following Delph's stunning u-turn on Saturday, Richards has denied playing any part in the England midfielder's decision

Richards said on Twitter: "If people actually think I had an influence on Delph not going to City you're wrong! And I have nothing but great things to say about City!"

It was understood that Delph, capped six times by England, had been in talks with Manchester City over a £8m move, but he will now be staying at Aston Villa.

In a statement on the Aston Villa website, Delph made it clear he's not going anywhere, saying: "I'm aware there has been intense media speculation surrounding my future in the last 24 hours and I want to set the record straight.

"I'm not leaving. I'm staying at the football club and I can't wait for the start of the season and captaining this great football club."

Delph, who has been named Aston Villa's player of the year for the last two seasons, will be expected to keep up his impressive form, as manager Tim Sherwood looks to improve on last season's 17th place finish.