Matt Ritchie has responded to claims he’ll leave this summer, insisting that he is loving his time on Tyneside and will stay and give ‘everything’ until the club tell him he’s no longer wanted.
He was linked with a move away last summer – with claims at one stage that Rafa would cash in if he could re-sign Andros Townsend – and talk of a potential exit re-emerged last week.
North-East reporter David Coverdale claimed he’d had a contract extension rejected and was set to be moved on. Those claims were played down by the Chronicle, and Ritchie has now revealed where he stands on the whole situation.
Here’s what he’s had to say:
“There has been two or three windows where there has been speculation about my future,”
“All I can say is that I’m enjoying my football here, I love the pressure the football club brings.
“Until someone tells me otherwise that my services are no longer required I’ll be giving everything that I possibly can.”
In fairness, he doesn’t totally play down claims that he could leave, but he’s made his stance clear – he’s happy here and plans to stay for as long as the powers that be want him.
Looking at the energy, intensity and drive he brought to our team during Saturday’s home win over Southampton, we’d be naive to let such a passionate player and consummate professional go.
I’d give him a 5 year contract
sean spokes(Quote)
We can’t let him go, he’s one of our best players, he gives 120% every game ????
Brian Hicks(Quote)
There’s not many games where he doesn’t give 110%. I think we would be mad to let him go. Townsend was quick enough to jump ship once we were going down and Richie is just as good on his day.
Danny(Quote)