Micah: It means something every time the two clubs meet

In the wake of many comments about the Community Shield being 'just another friendly' before the season starts, Manchester City defender and Academy product Micah Richards has set the matter straight.

"Whenever you are wearing the sky blue shirt and playing against United, whether it's an U15s game, an U18s game or the FA Cup semi-final, there is a special edge to it," he said speaking to mcfc.co.uk, echoing my own sentiments from earlier in the week.

A derby game, is a derby game, no matter when or where it is held. And these days they don't come much bigger than the Manchester derby. Whether United fans like to admit to it or not, it has taken on a greater significance in recent times. Much like the Manchester derbies of 30-40 years ago.

Micah continues; "We always want to beat them and they always want to beat us so it should be one of the more competitive Community Shield matches. It means something every time the two clubs meet."

When asked about City record signing, Sergio Aguero, Richards enthuses;

"He is an exciting player. There are flashes of David Silva when you watch him and flashes of Carlos Tevez too."

Can such a player even exists? Can you imagine the movement and passing ability of Silva and the tenacity and eye for goal of Tevez rolled into one player!? If there were any doubts about Kun adjusting to life at City, Micah puts us at ease;

"Just like the other lads who have come in this summer he has settled in really well and fitted in well."

Sergio's young family have already joined him in Manchester and he has already mentioned via his Twitter account that he is settling in.

Talking of families, Richards feels there is a "family atmosphere" in the City dressing room and they are "looking forward to the action starting" this season. Neither can we Micah, neither can we.

You can find the full interview here: http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2011/August/No-friendly-derbies-says-Micah