Matt Ritchie announces retirement | OneFootball

The 36-year-old has called time on his professional playing career spanning 18 years and will take up the role of technical director at AFC Bournemouth.

The 16-time Scotland international arrived at St. James' Park from Bournemouth in July 2016 under Rafael Benítez's management and completed an impressive maiden campaign on Tyneside as the Magpies won the 2016/17 Championship title, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.

His performances on the pitch were rewarded, receiving the 2017 North East Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award alongside Jamaal Lascelles.

Ritchie helped Newcastle seal a top half finish the following season, registering three goals and six assists whilst netting match-winning strikes in home triumphs over Manchester United and Arsenal.

He made 215 competitive outings for the Magpies, scoring 25 times.

Before his transfer to St. James' Park, Ritchie began his career at Portsmouth and was handed his Premier League debut in April 2010 after initial loan spells with Dagenham & Redbridge, Notts County and Swindon Town, joining the latter club on a permanent basis in 2011.

The versatile winger, capable of playing as a full-back, won the 2011/12 League Two title with Swindon before joining Bournemouth in January 2013 under Eddie Howe's management, helping the Cherries seal promotion to the Premier League for the first time after lifting the Championship trophy in 2014/15.

Following his departure from Newcastle in the summer of 2024, Ritchie returned to Pompey for a second stint and, after a sole season at Fratton Park, joined Reading last year before, ultimately, drawing his career to an end.

Everyone at Newcastle United would like to congratulate Matt on a terrific playing career and wish him the very best of luck for the future.