Matt Ritchie discusses why he joined Newcastle United

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Ritchie joined the Championship club from Premier League side Bournemouth for £12m during the summer.

Matt Ritchie admitted to The Chronicle that the opportunity to join Newcastle United was too good to turn down despite sacrificing Premier League football with Bournemouth to move to the Championship side.

The winger won the Championship with the Cherries in 2015 and now plans on doing the same at his new club following his £12m arrival from the South Coast club.

And the Scottish international believes the pressure and expectation that comes with the Magpies promotion charge will improve him as a player.

“I thrive on pressure,” Ritchie told The Chronicle.

“That was a reason I wanted to play at this huge club with lots of fans cheering you on and bringing a heck of a lot of pressure. It’s something that I believe brings the best out of me.

“I’m loving it. I feel like if I just relax, play my own game and just let it happen then I can bring some quality by providing goals and assists.”

Ritchie has made an impressive start to his United career as he has arguably been the club’s best player so far this season, as they sit third in the Championship table with five wins from their opening eight league matches.

The 27-year-old midfielder has played a part in an impressive seven of United’s 20 goals so far this season and will be hoping to continue his good form in an attempt to get the club back into the Premier League.

And although Ritchie admits playing Championship football is not ideal, it is still a challenge that excites him given the realistic prospect of promotion following United’s positive start to the season.

“The reason I joined this football club is not because of the situation we’re in now – don’t get me wrong it’s a challenge that I relish and that I think everyone at the club is relishing,” the winger continued.

“But the reason I wanted to join Newcastle United is because it’s a massive football club and when it’s back in the Premier League it will get back to being a big, big top-flight club.

“You just have to look at the manager and the squad he is assembling to see that. I’m delighted to be part of what is going on here and hopefully I can have an impact to help get Newcastle back to where we should be.”