After eight seasons, 215 appearances, 25 goals, 28 assists, one Championship title and a number of volleyed corner flags, Matt Ritchie leaves Newcastle United as a firm fan favourite.
The Scottish international was signed from Bournemouth in July 2016 at a time of great uncertainty as Newcastle looked to bounce back from the Championship after suffering their second relegation from the Premier League under the Mike Ashley era.
Ritchie proved to be an inspired signing on the wing for Rafael Benitez’s group and his impressive 12 goals and seven assists in his debut campaign were a catalyst for the club’s promotion back to the Premier League as Championship winners.
The 34-year-old epitomised everything that was great about Benitez’s promotion winning team as they established themselves back in the top-flight and the winger turned full back’s tireless work rate remained vital in the years that followed under Steve Bruce.
Although Ritchie has played much less football in recent times following the Saudi takeover, he is described by Howe as ‘inspirational’ figure behind the scenes due to the way ‘he trains, how vocal he is and his drive within the group.”
Ritchie may have only made 20 league appearances in his final two seasons, but his contribution in helping Newcastle from the Championship to the Champions League cannot be understated.
With that in mind we take a look at six of Matt Ritchie’s best moments in Black and White.
1. Ritchie inspires a Royal thrashing - August 2016
Newcastle United’s 2016/17 Championship campaign got off to a disastrous start as the club lost both of their opening two league games to Fulham and Huddersfield. However, that all started to change on 17 August 2016 as Matt Ritchie fired in a goal and an assist to help his team to a commanding 4-1 victory against Reading. The win was the first of five in a row in the league as Rafa Benitez’s new-look team started to gel and prove their title credentials. | Getty Images
2. Promotion party - April 2017
Newcastle United secured promotion from the Championship with two games to spare after a Ritchie inspired 4-1 victory against Preston. The game marked Ritchie's last appearance of the season due to injury and he signed the campaign off with a crucial penalty goal, whilst being heavily involved in two of Ayoze Perez’s goals. Two games later Newcastle would be crowned champions as they capitalised on a slip-up from promotion rivals Brighton. | Getty Images
3. Matt Richie inspires Newcastle’s survival revival - February 2018
Newcastle United ended a barren four-month run without a home win by stunning second-place Manchester United with a 1-0 victory at St James’ Park. Opposition manager Jose Mourinho praised Newcastle by saying that they ‘fought like animals’ and that statement was epitomised by match-winner Matt Richie who got on the end of a hopeful free kick from Jonjo Shelvey. | Getty Images
4. A winner against Arsenal as Magpies reach the 40 point mark - April 2018
It is often argued that reaching the 40 point mark is the key to surviving in the Premier League and that figure was reached in April 2018 as the Magpies fought back from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 at St James’ Park. Ritchie was one of the stars of the shows in a tireless performance and he netted a second half winner by getting on the end of a header by substitute Islam Slimani. | Getty Images