Cherries didn’t want Ritchie to leave

Eddie Howe has stated that he was reluctant to let winger Matt Ritchie join Newcastle United, but they simply couldn’t compete with the Magpies finances, in an exclusive interview with TalkSport

Ritchie played a key part in getting Bournemouth up to the Premier League as he struck 16 goals, as well as hitting 4 for the Cherries last term before joining up with Newcastle in the summer for a reported £12 million deal.

Although Ritchie still had a part to play, Howe insists that Bournemouth couldn’t compare to Newcastle’s finances: “We weren’t happy to let him go. Matt’s an outstanding player.

“But the reality is that we just couldn’t compete with Newcastle’s finances and Matty expressed a desire to leave.

“I’ll make it clear there was no ill feeling between us, just a lot of mutual respect, the fact that he’d done well for us and hopefully we’ve done well for him.

“We all wish him well in his new career at Newcastle.”

After Benitez’s reappointment earlier this year he set out to add Championship experience to the squad, with players such as Grant Hanley, Mo Diamé, and Ritchie joining the ranks, with Ritchie and Diamé having experience of promotion to their names.

Previous Article
Aston Villa

Villa look set for two further acquisitions

Next Article
Derby

OPINION: How long can Derby continue to be the nearly men?

Related Posts