I’m a former Man Utd star but people think I left because of what my cousin said on Big Brother

EX-MANCHESTER UNITED star Kieran Richardson has shut down rumours he left the club due to what his cousin said on Big Brother.

The left-back's relative Charley Uchea was on series eight of the reality show.

When in the house, she was told about Richardson's £5.5million transfer from Man Utd to Sunderland in 2007.

The eight-time capped England star had played 81 times for United and Charley couldn't believe he left the club for a side she had never heard of after being deemed surplus to requirements.

She found out the news and said: "I don't get it what's going on?

"Who the f*** are Sunderland? Are Sunderland good?

"I can't see him going there. I don't think his dad would've allowed that unless they got loads of money for it."

She later ranted: "I can personally tell you, Sunderland, I don't think so. Bloody Sunderland I've never heard of them.

"Sir Alex Ferguson personally told him when Ryan Giggs retires you're going to be the ones coming up."

Richardson has lifted the lid on his move and Charley's outburst, exclusively telling Ladbrokes' Fanzone: "She doesn't really know football, it was as simple as that.

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"She knows the bigger clubs like Man Utd and Liverpool, but she hadn't heard of Sunderland.

"She didn't really know what was happening or what club I was joining. It's not her fault, she just didn't know.

"It was funny to see it though, and it was all tongue-in-cheek, really.

"It could have been any club apart from the top ones, and she'd have said the same thing, I'm sure. 

"I think it had already been decided that I was leaving the club so I didn't experience anything negative from Man Utd about Charley being on the show.

"And then, obviously, when I got to Sunderland, no one was really saying anything about it. 

"I think that was the right time to leave Man Utd.

"I remember Sir Alex saying: 'You don't have to leave, but we've had a couple of offers.'

"He didn't say I had to leave, but I knew it was probably better for me to go, to be honest. 

"I have a great relationship with Sir Alex and always did throughout my time with the club.

"Do I think he was watching Big Brother that summer? No, I don't think so whatsoever.

"Big Brother had nothing to do with me leaving Manchester United. It was strictly football reasons only."

Richardson spent five years at Sunderland before spells at Fulham, Aston Villa and Cardiff.

The retired star is now a successful business man, selling luxury watches for millions.