They are the words of a leader. 26 is a young age, even in footballing terms, but Richards’ journey – from all-American high school star, playing soccer with his friends on Saturdays in Hoover, Alabama, to assisting Robert Lewandowski with Bayern Munich and, years after that, raising Palace’s first-ever trophy – has been full of a plethora of experiences
It’s a story that encompasses rejection, risk and rejuvenation, from Alabama to south London via Texas and Munich. Hollywood eat your hearts out.
All of it, however, has amounted to him becoming the fine man, footballer – and, hopefully, inspiration to those who come after – who wears the Palace and USA shirt with pride.
"It's a bit cliché – you get knocked down, you keep getting up," said Richards.
"That's exactly the mentality that I had. And every time I've faced a setback in my career, I've kind of always looked back to the 16-year-old Chris who didn't make it to FC Dallas. Just the same mentality – just keep going."