Micah Richards rued the injuries that prevented him from achieving more at Manchester City and declared that his best days lie ahead of him at Aston Villa.
The England international defender signed for Villa on a free transfer, ending a 13-year association with City.
Richards, who was City's longest-serving player, made 245 appearances over nine years but was limited to nine league starts since 2012 because of injuries and the consistency of Pablo Zabaleta at right-back.
He told City's official website: "I didn't ever expect to do what I have done, but with my injuries I think I was hampered a lot. I think I could have achieved a lot more. It is sad to be leaving at this time."
The 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Fiorentina, has signed a four-year deal with FA Cup finalists Villa and added: "I think my best years are ahead of me.
"I do believe that, when I am 100 percent fit and firing, I am a very good player. My problem over the last couple of years has been picking up injuries and getting that consistency of playing."
Richards helped City win the Premier League twice, the FA Cup and the League Cup, and said it meant more to achieve success with them after rejecting two of their main rivals in his youth.
He explained: "I had chances to go to Chelsea and Manchester United."
And he voiced his gratitude to former City manager Roberto Mancini, adding: "He played me more or less every game when I was fit, I won a Premier League and had probably my best season under him.
"He definitely improved me as a player. He won me a Premier League, so I have got much to thank him for."
