The defender was speaking in the middle of the United States’ successful September to October international window, in which the Stars and Stripes won four out of four matches, defeating Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.
Richards not only scored against Chile and helped keep two clean sheets, but also captained his country against Canada – whilst also seeing 19-year-old club teammate Zavier Gozo make his senior international debut.
With this weekend seeing the return of Premier League Mornings Live in Denver, Richards reflected proudly on Palace’s growing Stateside presence.
"I've noticed over the years more and more Americans coming to games and getting random messages on social media like, 'Hey, you've turned myself and turned my partner into a Crystal Palace fan,'" Richards smiled.
"You see people in the crowds wearing U.S. jerseys now, so it's really cool to have seen the kind of development and respect that us Americans have gotten over the last few years in the Premier League."