Micah Richards cries out 'when will it stop' after BBC snub ahead of Euro 2024

Micah Richards couldn’t believe it when he heard he could be benched for Pablo Zabaleta again. The Argentinian has become somewhat of a nemesis for the ex-England international.

During their time together at Manchester City, Zabaleta would go on to take Richards’ place as the starting right-back. The Argentine defender was not only a top quality player who always delivered consistent performances, he was also rarely injured.

After growing tired of spending so much time on the bench, Richards departed the club he had been at throughout his whole career to join Aston Villa in 2015. Despite both players being retired for a long time, Zabaleta still finds himself in competition with Richards.

And their amusing rivalry could be reignited when Euro 2024 starts this weekend. Richards is now one of the most recognisable pundits in sports television today. He is a regular on Match of the Day, Sky Sports News and CBS Sports Golazo.

Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t able to cover the 2022 World Cup Final as the BBC chose his former team-mate, due to the fact that his country had reached the final. Nowadays, Zabaleta is the assistant manager to Arsenal star Sylvinho for Albania.

But Richards was warned that doesn’t mean his job is safe. While discussing Albania on the Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker reminded Richards that Zabaleta will be in the dugout.

Lineker would then take great joy in saying that he may be drafted back in by the BBC should Albania depart in the early rounds. The ex-Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur striker said: “Well, the good thing is that Pablo Zabaleta, your nemesis, is the No.2 at Albania. But when they get knocked out, apparently he is coming back to the BBC to take you out of your role and out of your place.”

Richards burst out laughing at the revelation and divulged into the snubbing he received at the World Cup Final. He said: “Do you remember that at the World Cup?

“I had been signed for the BBC for four years. I was, you know, just steadily progressing, trying to do my thing. Who gets to the final? Argentina. Who does the final? Pablo Zabaleta.

“Not only did he take my place in my football career, he took my place in my broadcasting as well. When will it stop? When will it end guys?”

Through a haze of giggles, Lineker replied: “I don’t know. You better hope Albania go all the way.”

Unfortunately for Richards, Albania have a huge challenge on their hands to escape out of Group B. They are in the Group of Death alongside Spain, defending champions Italy and Croatia.