MICAH RICHARDS chose to become a professional footballer ahead of a shock other sport.
The former England defender made the revelation on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.
He and Alan Shearer were both asked if they were good at any other sports growing up.
This prompted Richards to explain his love of rugby league as a youngster in Leeds.
"Rugby," answered the ex-Manchester City star. "I was good at rugby.
"Yorkshire lad, Leeds Leeds Leeds, Leeds Rhinos, of course I was. I was quick."
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Clarifying which code he played, Richards added: "Rugby league, yeah. I used to love it.
"I had to pick out of going to rugby and going to football but I picked football and…"
However, before he could continue, host Gary Lineker quipped: "Bad decision," prompting all three to burst out laughing.
After moving from Birmingham, Richards grew up in Leeds, the home of 11-time Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.
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He also spent time in Leeds' academy as a striker before he was released.
Richards later switched to defence and played for Oldham ahead of joining City's youth system aged 14.
His decision to pursue a career in football appears to have paid off, with the 35-year-old going on to win two Premier League titles with City.
He also lifted both the FA Cup and League Cup during his playing days, alongside winning 13 caps for England.
Since retiring, Richards has become a fan-favourite pundit on the BBC, Sky Sports and CBS.
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