O´Neill: Richardson wants to leave Sunderland

20 August 2012 13:19

Sunderland winger Kieran Richardson has asked to leave the English Premier League club, according to manager Martin O'Neill.

Richardson, 27, started Sunderland's opening match of the season, a 0-0 draw away to Arsenal on Saturday, but threw his shirt to the away support after completing the 90 minutes.

O'Neill has confirmed the former Manchester United man is interested in a transfer back to his native London, but underlined his desire to keep him.

"Kieran came to see me a while ago in the last transfer window," he told Sky Sports.

"For family issues and things, he thought there maybe needed a change."

"No-one has come in and made an offer. That, though, does not mean there is nothing happening, I just don't know.

"But if he performs like he did against Arsenal, I would like to keep him."

The versatile left-footer, who has eight England caps, has featured at left-back and in a variety of midfield roles for Sunderland since arriving in 2007.

The Stadium of Light outfit had a quiet off season, bringing in only Carlos Cuellar and Louis Saha on free transfers, although the window remains open until the end of August.