Josh Murphy sends one-word message as Portsmouth confirm emotional Matt Ritchie exit
Matt Ritchie was crucial for Portsmouth’s progression across his second spell at Fratton Park.
Ritchie initially came through the Portsmouth academy and made his Premier League debut in 2010 against Wigan Athletic.
He spent plenty of time out on loan during his early playing career and turned down a two-year contract when the Blues were relegated from the top flight to gain experience elsewhere.
Ritchie returned to Portsmouth last summer and offered important experience as he helped John Mousinho’s side avoid relegation, but the 35-year-old has now left Fratton Park.
Josh Murphy reacts as Matt Ritchie joins Reading
Ritchie had been regularly linked with an exit from Portsmouth this summer, despite being an important player last season.
Mousinho’s controversial decision not to include Ritchie in his squad going into pre-season left supporters surprised.
Portsmouth have managed to recruit Florian Bianchini on loan in his place, but Premier League experience is valuable in the second tier, and it’s a shame for the Blues to lose it.
Ritchie has now joined Reading after his departure from the south coast was confirmed.
After leaving the Blues, Ritchie penned an open letter to supporters thanking the club and its supporters.
“A privilege I will always treasure and be grateful for – the honour of playing for Portsmouth Football Club,” he wrote.
- Ritchie joined Portsmouth from Newcastle last summer after his contract expired
- The midfielder made 41 appearances in all competitions
- He has now completed a move to Reading
“Thank you to the board and all the staff for the opportunity and to my teammates for welcoming me into the dressing room with open arms. It was a pleasure to go into battle alongside you.
“To the fans – you are the heartbeat of this club and the reason Fratton Park is so special. Your unwavering support means everything.”
The 35-year-old played alongside Jacob and Josh Murphy during his time with Newcastle and Pompey, respectively.
Josh has already devliered a one-word Instagram message to Ritchie after he left Portsmouth, writing “Legend”, followed by a blue heart emoji.
Letting Matt Ritchie leave is a poor decision from John Mousinho
Mousinho hasn’t made many mistakes since being appointed by Portsmouth following the end of his playing career with Oxford.
His experience has been vital to the dressing room and has no doubt helped the South Coast club get through some tough times.
Mousinho has constantly made use of being able to keep important assets, with Portsmouth managing to fend off interest in Callum Lang and Colby Bishop this summer.
Hopefully, the departure doesn’t come back to haunt Pompey, as the midfielder could soon be back at Fratton Park should Reading reach their target of promotion.
Sign up for the Pompey News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Portsmouth news sent straight to your phone.