Portsmouth FC have confirmed Matt Ritchie has left the club by mutual agreement. The 35-year-old winger has signed for League One side Reading, where he will reunite with former Pompey teammates Paddy Lane and Mark O’Mahony.
The experienced winger expressed his gratitude to the club, saying: “Playing for Portsmouth Football Club has been an honour I shall always treasure and remain eternally grateful for.
“My thanks go to the board and staff for giving me this opportunity, and to my teammates who welcomed me so warmly into the dressing room. It was an honour to fight alongside you all.
“To the supporters – you are this club’s heartbeat and what makes Fratton Park so magical. Your constant support means the world.
“When you adapted Matty Taylor’s song – one I used to sing from the stands as a lad – into a chant for me, it was a dream realised. These are moments I’ll treasure always. Play up Pompey!”
Manager John Mousinho praised Ritchie’s contribution: “Matt was instrumental last season in helping us establish ourselves as a Championship side.
“He consistently gave everything when wearing the Pompey shirt and was an influential figure both on and off the field.
“I understand how much returning to his boyhood club meant to him, and I’m certain all supporters will join me in wishing Matt every success going forward.”
The Gosport-born player signed his debut professional contract with Pompey in 2008 and made his senior bow in a Premier League stalemate against Wigan two years later.
He totalled 10 appearances for the Blues before spells with Swindon, Bournemouth and Newcastle, whilst also representing Scotland at international level.
Following his return to Fratton Park last summer, Ritchie netted five goals across 41 matches, notably scoring twice in a 2-1 home triumph against Middlesbrough.
The club extends its appreciation to Matt for his dedication and wishes him success in his future endeavours.
