Matt Ritchie sends heartfelt message after Portsmouth terms agreed
Portsmouth fans have been offered a heartfelt message from one of their own after Matt Ritchie made an emotional return to Fratton Park.
As revealed on the club’s official X page [6 August], Ritchie addressed the Pompey fans – with whom he grew up on the PO4 terraces – insisting he cannot wait to play in front of that sea of blue again.
The winger left Portsmouth in 2011 with the club in severe financial difficulty, having progressed through the academy setup and made his Premier League debut in April 2010.
Speaking to the Blues’ media whilst wearing the shirt, Ritchie – who agreed a two-year contract on Tuesday (BBC Sport) – said: “I can’t wait to play in front of you, and I can’t wait to play for this shirt again.
“Hopefully together we can be successful, and enjoy the ride.”
Ritchie makes emotional Portsmouth return
Not only does Ritchie carry vital experience at both Premier League and Championship level following a stellar career, he also brings that “homecoming” feel to the supporters which doesn’t come along often, only comparable to that of skipper Marlon Pack.
Only earlier this year was the Scottish international scoring last-minute goals for Newcastle United in the top flight, having made over 200 appearances for the Magpies.
Allowing Ritchie to fly the nest was a tough moment for Pompey back in 2011 but at the time, the club were suffering through trauma which was threatening the club’s existence, with departures such as his essentially having to be a drop in the ocean.
But as soon as promotion from League One coincided with the end of a 34-year-old Ritchie’s Newcastle contract, the writing seemed to be on the wall and the sliding doors moment has finally delivered.
Any doubt there may have been over whether the club would move for Ritchie – mainly down to a potential salary obstacle – has thankfully been lifted and a player with supreme experience is now in the dressing room and ready to deliver in blue again.
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