Former Manchester City star Micah Richards has insisted he has the advantage over Kevin De Bruyne during his playing days.
De Bruyne is arguably one of the greatest midfielders the Premier League has ever seen and his trophy cabinet is packed with accolades, including last season's hat-trick in City.
But the Belgian is missing a piece on his shelf, one that former City defender Richards can happily boast he possesses.
While appearing in Rest is football. podcast together Alan Shearer and Gary Linekerthe trio discussed what awards they had won throughout their career.
With 740 goals between them for club and country, Shearer and Lineker boasted about their scoring exploits before the latter was sent a message that read: “Is it true that Micah won Player of the Month and why didn't he?” have you on? show?”
Richards responded: “Of course I won it. I think it was 2007.
“You know what, I think I have it somewhere, but I was robbed while I was living in Manchester, so I lost a lot of my stuff. I'll try to find it, but I don't know where everything is.” be honest.”
At that point, a producer stepped in to reveal a message that read: “Mica Richards has won the Player of the Month trophy – Kevin De Bruyne “He never has.”
It left the trio rolling with laughter while Richards couldn't contain himself.
“That's what I want to say. People need to respect my name,” said the former England international. “Big meeks!”
Shearer couldn't believe what he heard and said: “What? De Bruyne has never won Player of the Month, really? Wow.”
Lineker went on to say that such a development was “scandalous.”
Richards was in stellar form at the start of the 2007/08 season under Sven-Goran Eriksson at City, winning the player of the month award in August 2007.
However, De Bruyne has never received such a personal accolade, although he may not care so much considering his other achievements.
In terms of personal accolades, the 32-year-old has scooped two Premier League Player of the Year awards in 2020 and 2022.
He also won the Premier League Player of the Season award three times, as well as winning the UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season award in 2020.
Richards, meanwhile, made 245 appearances for City after coming through their academy, where he won the Premier League in 2012 and the FA Cup in 2011.