Eddie Howe prepared for prospect of Matt Ritchie calling time on Newcastle United career

Eddie Howe says he is open minded about the future of Matt Ritchie but indicated he would not stand in the winger's way if he wanted to depart Newcastle United for personal reasons.

Ritchie was tipped to leave St James' Park this summer after six years on Tyneside and many deemed his substitute appearance at Burnley as some type of farewell. But Howe stated that was never the case and made it clear he would like to keep Ritchie in the squad in an ideal world.

When asked about Ritchie, Howe said: "It wasn't farewell or intentional from my side. I think it's well documented my relationship with Matty, we go so far back. The respect for him I have as a person. He's been incredible for me."

But the suggestion seems to be that the former AFC Bournemouth winger will be down to his own personal choice and whether he can find a suitable move. Either way Howe is relaxed about the player's situation.

Howe said: "Matty's own personal situation he will have his own thoughts. Mine is to try and keep him but it's well documented that Matty has been away from his family for a long period of time.

"He loves playing for Newcastle and is very passionate about the club. But I think it is unclear what direction we will take this year but from both sides there is a lot of respect."

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