Former Portsmouth, Newcastle United and Reading man Matt Ritchie explains reasons behind ‘shock’ retirement
Former Pompey, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Reading winger Matt Ritchie announced his retirement on Monday afternoon.
Matt Ritchie has admitted his retirement has come as a ‘shock’ after calling time on a career spanning nearly two decades.
But the former Pompey man stressed the opportunity to return to Bournemouth in a new off-field role was too good to turn down.
The Gosport-born talent, of course, came through the ranks at Fratton Park and made his first-team debut for the Blues aged 18 in April 2010.
Spells with Swindon Town, Bournemouth and Newcastle United followed for Ritchie, who completed an emotional return to his boyhood club in August 2024.
But less than a year after making the move to Reading, the 16-cap Scotland international has decided now is the right time to bring the curtain down on a successful playing career as he now turns his attentions to his new role at Bournemouth.
Former Pompey & Newcastle United winger explains reasons behind ‘shock’ retirement
And Ritchie has explained the fresh opportunity was too good to turn down, prompting his ‘shock’ decision.
‘It has come as a shock, but I am retiring for a good reason,’ he told Reading’s official club website.
‘I have a great opportunity to move into a role at Bournemouth, that I couldn’t turn down and something I am really grateful for. It made my decision for me.
‘I am so grateful to the game, I have had a wonderful time. Football has given me everything and more than I ever wanted; friendships, relationships, taken me to countries I never thought I would go to, experiences, memories and so grateful.
‘To everyone who has played my part in my development and career - teammates, coaches, fans, they make the moments so special.
‘It has been an amazing journey full of ups and downs as football is but from each of those I have grown individually and collectively, with whichever team I was with at the time. Just so grateful the game has given me.
‘It’s been pretty quick to be honest, I'm not too sure that I’ve digested it completely. But it’s something I knew at 36-years-old was always coming.
‘I’m aware it comes to us all, I’ve been planning since I was in my early 30s, what was the next chapter?
‘Football means everything to me, it will always be a huge part of my life and I look forward to what comes with my role at Bournemouth.’
Matt Ritchie’s Reading frustrations
Ritchie penned a two-year deal with Reading after his Pompey stay was ended mutually last summer.
And speaking after his retirement, the 36-year-old explained his Select Car Leasing Stadium stint didn't go how he envisaged.
‘It didn’t go how I really wanted it to go, through context and many reasons. It has been a frustrating season for me personally and for the team.
‘I came in off the back of no pre-season, took time to get up and running before having a few knocks and hurdles to overcome. I didn’t get the momentum I would have liked.
‘I felt that when I played, I showed glimpses that I can still play, but it wasn’t to be.
‘This opportunity has brought it to a close, but I leave with no regrets, I gave everything.
‘The club has been fantastic and is in safe hands. I think it will have a big future and has huge potential.
‘I will look back on my time with Reading with an element of frustration personally, but I’m sure the club will move on to bigger and better things.’
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