Jazz Richards thanks Swansea City after Fulham switch
3rd July
Jazz Richards has paid tribute to the Swans after leaving his hometown club to join Championship side Fulham.
The Wales international ended a long association with the Swans, for whom he made his debut in 2009, by joining the West London club on Thursday after agreeing a three-year deal.
Richards, who hails from the Brynmelyn area of Swansea, made over 50 appearances for the club in the Championship, domestic cups and the Europa League.
And the right-back was quick to thank staff, team-mates and supporters at the Swans following his exit from the club.
"The staff at Swansea have been great with me over the years. The players are a great bunch. They are good friends, not just team-mates," said Richards.
"The fans, too, have also been really supportive to me and I really appreciate that. There can be more pressure on you to deliver for your local club, but they got behind me and they can be the best fans to have when you're in need of a lift."
With the likes of Kyle Naughton, Angel Rangel and Dwight Tiendalli all battling for the right-back slot, Richards opted to join Fulham in pursuit of first-team football.
Having played 14 times for the Cottagers last season during a loan spell, he knows the quality within Kit Symons' squad.
And he feels his exit from the Swans comes at the right time.
"I'm a local lad and Swansea is my team, but I had to move on for the good of my career," added Richards.
"It was difficult for me playing a few games here and there, but I understand the competition for places that the manager has.
"I really wanted to show the supporters my true quality, but I feel that I gave everything for this club in every game that I played.
"I need to play regularly and that's why I had to leave. I believe I can blossom at Fulham - the club has everything needed to make a return to the Premier League.
"I learned a lot about the club during my time on loan there, and playing under Kit is something that I'm really looking forward to.
"I've experienced two Championship promotions already with the Swans and on loan at Crystal Palace - hopefully I can make it a third this season with Fulham.
"Earning promotion with Fulham and seeing Swansea succeed again would be perfect for me."
Of his time at the Liberty, Richards experienced some memorable moments, with two in particular standing out.
"Making my debut was such a proud moment for me. Running out at the Liberty for my home club was amazing," he added. "That was a real stand-out moment in my career
"I was part of the squad in the play-off final but didn't get on. In terms of playing, the other standout memory was the Capital One Cup win over Liverpool at Anfield. That was a brilliant night for the club and one I'll never forget."
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