Manchester City's Micah Richards has no regrets about missing England's Euro 2012 campaign and cannot wait to represent Britain at the Olympics.
The 24-year-old defender is one of three over-age players in Stuart Pearce's 18-man squad for London 2012.
While Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy had been widely expected to be included, the selection of Richards was as much of a surprise as him being left out of England's squad for Euro 2012.
The City defender would have almost certainly joined up with Roy Hodgson's side when injuries struck had he not refused to go on standby, but it is not something he regrets.
"I've just been relaxing this summer," Richards said.
"It was nice to get a break away and relax for a couple of weeks or, in fact, a lot longer than that.
"I will be doing some running now, though, so let's see how fit I am."
Asked if he had any regrets about missing Euro 2012, he said: "It wasn't my decision.
"I didn't get picked in the team and once I wasn't picked in the squad this chance with GB (Great Britain) came around and I wanted to go to the Games.
"It is always an honour to represent your country. It's not just England, it's GB so it is something new.
"When Stuart Pearce rang me and asked if I wanted to be involved, I jumped at the chance.
"It might not ever happen again so it is going to be a fantastic experience and I am really looking forward to it."
Richards comes into the tournament fresh from helping Manchester City to a first league title in 44 years.
Sergio Aguero's last-gasp goal in the season finale against QPR ensured the title would end at the Etihad Stadium and it is a day Richards will not forget in a hurry.
"To be honest, it ended the hard way," he said. "Being a Manchester City man, I know it always seems to happen like that.
"I am delighted with the way it ended. There were good performances throughout the season and if you look at the results I think we deserved to win it in the end.
"We stayed in the top two throughout the whole season and to be able to win it was outstanding."
Now Richards is hoping he can cap a superb couple of months with an Olympic medal.
"We'll have to wait and see (whether we can get a gold)," he said. "We're confident and I think we've got a good squad.
"There are a couple of boys that have never played together so there is that aspect but we're looking forward to it and will give 100 per cent."
