I left Newcastle United to achieve my lifelong dream and I am absolutely loving it
Newcastle United decided against renewing Matt Ritchie’s contract last summer.
Former Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie has crowned his stunning brace against Middlesbrough as the stuff of dreams.
The veteran rejoined Portsmouth last summer following eight years at St James’ Park. A trusted Eddie Howe lieutenant, Ritchie saw little game time after the Saudi-backed takeover.
He remained a popular - and important - figure in the dressing room but left for pastures new. Pompey came calling 16 years on from his exit to Swindon Town that served as the springboard for a stellar Premier League career.
Newcastle fans hold Ritchie in high esteem for helping the club make an instant Premier League return under Rafa Benitez. One promoted, the 35-year-old was integral in keeping the Magpies afloat during Mike Ashley’s latter years as owner.
Ritchie bagged his first home goals since joining Portsmouth to inspire a 2-1 comeback win over Middlesbrough. Speaking post-match, the former Toon star opened up about fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
“As a kid, scoring at Fratton Park was something I dreamed of,” Ritchie said. “I once scored a few goals in a charity game for Kanu when I was a kid. It was a great game, I loved it. Great memories.
“I scored here once for Swindon against Pompey, my boyhood club. I scored against Bournemouth for Newcastle, it’s a strange, strange feeling. A feeling of joy because you are working for the football club and you have a huge feeling for the team.
“I’m a winner, I want to win. To score against Pompey was not a nice feeling. To score for Pompey at Fratton Park, that was very enjoyable.”