Former Newcastle United stalwart completes shock return to former club

Former Newcastle United stalwart Matt Ritchie has completed shock return to former club Portsmouth two months after his departure from St James Park.

The former Scotland winger was identified as a key summer signing when Rafa Benitez prepared the Magpies for their bid to make an immediate return to the top flight during the summer of 2016. Ritchie played a leading role in United’s Championship title win, scoring 16 goals and providing ten assists in 48 appearances in all competitions as Benitez’s side fought off the challenge of Brighton to top the second tier table on the final day of a long and eventful season.

Ritchie remained a trusted part of the Magpies squad in the years that followed and scored crucial goals against the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City as his side claimed impressive wins to maintain their Premier League status. The former Portsmouth and Bournemouth star continued to feature under Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe - but had found his involvement reduced over the course of the last two seasons. It was confirmed Ritchie was to leave St James Park when his contract came to an end earlier this summer and the long-serving winger paid an emotional tribute to the Magpies upon his departure.

In a statement released on the club website, he said: "After eight incredible years, my journey with Newcastle has come to an end and before I begin to prepare for an exciting new challenge at my new club, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made my time here so special. To the fans, your unwavering support has and always will mean the world to me.

"From the elation of scoring the winner against Burton Albion as we chased promotion, to a personal highlight of mine, seeing out a 1-0 win over Man Utd to help secure our Premier League status in 2018 - these moments, where we battled and triumphed together at St James' Park, will always hold a special place in my heart. Newcastle United is filled with extraordinary people who made my time here so special. There's no doubt that I'm leaving this club with friends for life. To the manager, coaches, my teammates and all the amazing staff at the club, it was a privilege to be part of such a talented, dedicated and ambitious team. Your hard work and friendship made every day a joy, and I am proud to have worked alongside you all.”

The likes of Bournemouth and Sheffield United have been strongly linked with a move for Ritchie in recent weeks - but Championship newcomers Portsmouth have now confirmed the 34-year-old winger has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal to officially return to the club where his professional career got underway.

Pompey boss John Mousinho told the club website: “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. Everyone will know what Matt is all about because he’s had a fantastic Premier League career. 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.”