35-year-old winger Matt Ritchie has moved on a permanent transfer to League One side Reading.
It was mutually agreed between Portsmouth Football Club and Ritchie to terminate the player's contract almost a year early in order to confirm the move - As a result, no transfer fee will be received.
The Gosport-born man initially put pen-to-paper on a professional contract with his boyhood club in 2008, earning his senior debut in a goalless Premier League draw away at Wigan Athletic in April 2010.
At the time of Ritchie's breakthrough, the club was experiencing plenty of off-field issues with owners coming and going and the threat of liquidation amongst a handful of administrations - These concerns resulted in many players, such as Ritchie, leaving the club and fulfilling their potentials elsewhere.
After featuring for Swindon Town, AFC Bournemouth and finally Newcastle United, where he spent 8 years after arriving in 2016, he finally returned to the South Coast on a 2-year deal in August 2024.
He made his second debut in a 3-3 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road on the opening day of the 2024/25 Championship season, Portsmouth's first after 12 years away from the division.
Ritchie's first of 5 goals for the club came in a 2-2 draw away at Swansea City last November and 2 months later in January, he managed his first at Fratton Park in a 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough - in fact, he scored a brace that day!
Over the course of his career, the forward has gained valuable experience competing in all 3 Football League divisions, the Premier League as well as the Champions League too - Furthermore, Ritchie has earned 16 senior caps for Scotland, scoring 3 goals for his country.
He links up with former teammates Paddy Lane and Mark O'Mahony at Reading, who currently sit 23rd in League One having accrued just 2 points from their opening 5 fixtures.
Following the announcement of his departure, Matt Ritchie has issued a statement to Blues supporters:
"The honour of playing for Portsmouth Football Club is a privilege I will always treasure and be forever grateful for.
"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.
"For you to adapt Matty Taylor's song - one I once sang from the terraces as a boy - into a chant for me was a dream come true. Those are memories I will cherish forever. Play up Pompey!"
The Pompey head coach, John Mousinho has also commented on Matt Ritchie and his transfer to The Royals:
"Matt played a huge role here last season to help establish us as a Championship club.
"He never gave anything less than 100 per cent when he pulled on the Pompey shirt and was a big presence both on and off the pitch.
"I know it meant a lot for him to return to his boyhood club and I'm sure all the fans will join me in wishing Matt the very best for the future."
For reaction to this news, as well as all Portsmouth FC-related topics, be sure to join Jake Smith on The Football Hour every Monday and Friday from 6pm - LIVE on Express FM through FM, DAB, Online and the App!
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