Matt Ritchie makes James Milner admission – ‘Inspiration’
Matt Ritchie was a key member of the Portsmouth squad that survived in the Championship last season.
The Gosport-born midfielder, 35, was brought back to Fratton Park last summer on a free transfer. Despite his advancing years, he was one of the first names on the teamsheet throughout the season.
Ritchie made 39 league appearances this year, captaining the side several times.
Now, the former Scotland international has opened up on his long-term future.
Ritchie makes James Milner comparison as he ponders Pompey future
In an interview with The News, Ritchie named James Milner as an “inspiration” for what can be achieved in the latter years of a player’s career.
Milner is still going strong at 39 years old, closing in on the all-time Premier League appearance record. He needs 15 more appearances to equal it.
And Ritchie has outlined his plans to try and mirror such impressive longevity.
“You look at James Milner, for me, he’s an inspiration,” he said.
“I have followed his career and spoken with people who have played with him. They always say he’s the oldest and comes back the fittest. I have got to be honest because I’m 35. I must come back in pre-season and be as fit as anyone once again. That is a motivator for me.”
Ritchie described playing for Portsmouth as a “privilege” and “something I would never take for granted”, and assured fans that he had no plans to retire any time soon.
Ritchie can still be a vital cog in Pompey midfield
Ritchie was one of the most consistent players in a Portsmouth shirt last season, particularly during their fantastic run toward the end of the season.
He must have covered every blade of grass in the 1-0 victory against Watford, where Pompey confirmed their survival.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 39 | 2,220 | 5 | 1 |
He also chipped in with key goals, such as the impressive brace in the 2-1 victory against Middlesbrough back in January.
So, John Mousinho will surely be in no hurry to find a replacement for Ritchie in the Blues midfield.
He’s a huge favourite among the Fratton faithful, being a local boy. It’s clear that he loves the club and understands the fans. From what we hear behind the scenes, you can only imagine that he’s a tremendous influence in the dressing room too.
Portsmouth have been linked with a few midfielders, including 39-year-old Ashley Young, but Ritchie will remain a mainstay in the starting XI for next season at least.
Mousinho has previously joked that Ritchie could play for another six or seven years. The way he performed last season, it would be hard to bet against him playing for as long as his inspiration Milner, or even longer.