Newcastle United star Matt Ritchie is said to be ‘anxious’ to return to his former club Bournemouth.
The Daily Mirror reported on Saturday that the Scot is keen to seal a move back to the south coast club this summer.
Ritchie was heavily linked with the Cherries in January.
The player admitted he had even emptied his locker at Newcastle in anticipation of the move.
It didn’t come to fruition though. Bruce supposedly blocked his proposed move, and a bust-up that became very public would follow.
Despite that, £40,000-a-week star Ritchie (Spotrac) returned to the starting XI and had a major impact for the Magpies.
His contributions went a long way to helping the club stay in the Premier League.
Ritchie is a huge fan favourite at St. James’ Park, but it seems that may not be enough to keep him at the club.
The 31-year-old is said to want to go back to Bournemouth for family reasons.
Ritchie would be a major loss
Newcastle will be stung massively if Ritchie leaves this summer.
His reasons for wanting to go are fair enough, and many fans would not begrudge him an exit after everything he has given.
He’d certainly be very difficult to replace.
While he isn’t top-class in terms of ability, Ritchie’s passion and the example he sets are invaluable.
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