The 20-year-old was criticized along with teammate Richard Dunne, who is also accused of being overweight, for making a number of blunders during the ongoing season.

"People are saying stuff about me looking slower or heavier or whatever but to be honest that's rubbish," Richards told City's official magazine.

"If anything I have lost weight and have less body fat than I did last year. We are constantly monitored in both those areas.

"I am working as hard as ever and I don't feel as if I have done anything drastically wrong this season for people to comment on."

Despite the purchase of Manchester City by Abu Dhabi United Group in the summer, and the mega transfers of Robinho and Jo, Richard’s City are lying 13th in the Premiership table.