Winger Ritchie returns to Portsmouth

New Portsmouth signing Matt RitchieImage source, Portsmouth FC
Image caption,

Matt Ritchie has returned to Portsmouth 13 years after leaving the club.

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Portsmouth have re-signed former Bournemouth and Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie, who has agreed a two-year contract at Fratton Park.

The 34-year-old left Pompey in 2011 and is a product of the club's academy.

After leaving for Swindon Town in 2011 he moved back to the south coast, where he played for Bournemouth before switching to Newcastle in 2016.

“Everyone will know what Matt is all about because he’s had a fantastic Premier League career." said Blues head coach John Mousinho., external

“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."

Ritchie made 17 appearances for Newcastle last season and left the club at the end of the campaign.

Gosport-born Ritchie signed his first professional Pompey contract in 2008, making his senior debut for the club in a Premier League draw at Wigan two years later.

Portsmouth will begin their Championship season on Saturday when they travel to face Leeds United at Elland Road.