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."
