Matt Ritchie lands two-year deal at new club | OneFootball

Matt Ritchie ended an eight-year stay at Newcastle United on 30 June 2024.

Now just ahead of the new season, the 34-year-old has signed for Portsmouth.

Famed for his commitment to training and levels of fitness, Matt Ritchie landed a two-year deal despite being set to turn 35 in September.

Promoted as League One Champions, Pompey start their Championship season at Leeds on Saturday.

Not long for Matt Ritchie to wait when it comes to facing Sunderland, Portsmouth are at home to the mackems on 31 August, just 24 days away now.

Good luck to Matt Ritchie on his return to the south coast.

He will join one-time Newcastle United striker Elias Sorensen, the Danish forward having completed his move to Portsmouth at the weekend.

‘Pompey are delighted to announce the return of Matt Ritchie to the club.

The 34-year-old winger has agreed a two-year deal at Fratton Park following his departure from Newcastle at the end of last season.

It sees Ritchie return to his hometown club – where he progressed through the academy – more than 13 years after departing for Swindon.

Blues boss John Mousinho said: “Everyone will know what Matt is all about because he’s had a fantastic Premier League career.

“I’m sure all the fans have tracked his incredible progress since he was last at the club and been pleased by what he’s achieved.

“It’s a transfer that’s been talked about for a long time and it’s amazing that we’ve been able to get it done.

“As well as playing in the top-flight for a number of seasons, Matt also has plenty of experience at this level, having been promoted from the Championship a couple of times.

“It’s one of those signings that will provide a real boost around the place because he’s a fantastic player and in very good physical condition. We’re very excited to have him here.”

Gosport-born Ritchie penned his first professional Pompey contract in 2008, making his senior debut for the club in a goalless Premier League draw at Wigan a couple of years later.

He made a total of 10 appearances for the Blues, spending time out on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge, Notts County and Swindon.

After joining the latter club on a permanent deal, Ritchie helped secure the League Two title and was named the division’s ‘Player of the Year’.

His fine form earned a move to Bournemouth in January 2013, which brought two more promotions into the Premier League and a call-up to the Scotland team.

Rafa Benitez brought Ritchie to Newcastle in the summer of 2016 and he played a key role as they made an instant top-flight return.