Richards goes for record £2m payout

Dean Richards last night launched the biggest compensation claim in Premiership history after medical experts warned he could suffer a brain haemorrhage if he played on.

The Spurs defender, 30, who announced his decision to quit two weeks ago, wants £2million from insurance giants Norwich Union, but it could take up to two years to settle the case.

If the £30,000-a-week centre back, out of contract at the end of the season, is successful, it will be the biggest single pay-out to an injured footballer.

Roberto Di Matteo was awarded £1m when he was forced to retire from Chelsea, but others have not been so fortunate. Former Coventry defender David Busst, who had 17 operations on a leg broken against Manchester United in 1996, received £50,000.

But Richards, an £8m signing from Southampton four years ago, was one of the game's big earners.

Although Spurs would not have renewed his contract, Richards says he could have played at the top level for another five years.

His last game for Spurs was against Aston Villa last season and while his agent Ben Lambourne refused to comment on details of the claim, he said Richards had no option but to retire.