Biography:

Richard Dunne was born on 21^st September 1979 in Dublin.

When City signed Richard Dunne, aged just 20, for £3.5m in 2000 from Everton, they brought to the club someone who would have a major influence on the club and team for nine years. Deceptively quick and very skilful for a defender he won over the City faithful and “Dunney” was named City player of the year for four consecutive years (2005 – 2008). The first City player to do so. He became Club captain in 2005. Despite having been signed as a right back, it was in the centre of defence where Richard made his biggest impact on the team.

Under Joe Royle, Richard was part of a team that were relegated at the end of the 2000/01 season only to bounce straight back under new manager, Kevin Keegan. Manchester City finished the 2001–02 season as First Division champions which would be Richard’s only silverware with the Blues. Disciplinary problems in 2003 resulted in a club suspension, and his time at Manchester City looked to be over. However, Richard turned his career around with the grit and determination he often showed on the pitch. He returned to the first team following an intensive fitness programme, and within a few months gained an international recall.

In 2008, Micah Richards was quoted as saying “Ever since I have come to this club Richard has been quality. I play with him week in, week out and think he is one of the best players I’ve played with. I’ve played with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand in the England squad but Richard is right up there with them.” 

Notable facts/stories:

Richard was an amazing defender with a Premier League tally of 61 clean sheets in 296 appearances for City. 

However, “Richard Dunne, red card,” is a phrase remembered well by City fans. Richard received eight Premier League red cards in total; a record held jointly with Patrick Vieira and Duncan Ferguson. 

On a lighter note, Richard named his daughter Lyla, after an Oasis song as they were his favourite band at the time.

Non-City career (briefly):

Richard represented Ireland from the age of 15. After 14 years as a full international and 80 full caps Richard Dunne retired from his international career in July 2014. Former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill hailed Richard Dunne as a “remarkable player for both club and country”. Richard represented Ireland at two major championships - the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2012 - and scored eight goals for his country in total.

After leaving City, Richard played for Aston Villa and Queen’s Park Rangers.

After retiring in 2015 he joined BT Sport as a pundit for their coverage of the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.