Newcastle United regular Matt Ritchie has confirmed that he is currently in discussions with the Magpies in an attempt to resolve his future.
The 29-year-old has been a consistent performer in two different positions throughout the season, but despite that Football Insider reported earlier this month that he was eyeing a potential move to Stoke City.
Now the player himself has had his say: “There are discussions at the moment, hopefully we can get them resolved,” he told The Chronicle. “This is a massive football club I’m really enjoying playing for, so until I’m told my services are no longer required, I’m fighting for my life as I do every week to perform.
“Who knows what the future holds but until I’m told my services are no longer required, I’ll do everything for the football club.”
OPINION
This will be what every Newcastle supporter wanted to hear from Ritchie. He has been phenomenal for the team this campaign, and so they will have been extremely concerned when stories emerged linking him with a move away this summer. It appeared that the Magpies didn’t want to commit to the Scotland international staying long-term, but it seems that the club are now willing to start negotiations with him. Ritchie didn’t explicitly say that the talks were regarding a new contract, but it’s safe to say that they will be discussing his future in general terms at least. The former Bournemouth man certainly seems like he’s enjoying life on Tyneside and is loving playing for a club of Newcastle’s size, so as long as the club want him to stay then he sounds as if he’s happy to remain where he is. Hopefully, then, this will put an end to the speculation surrounding Ritchie’s future, because he’s a crucially important player for the Magpies.
