WINGER Matt Ritchie revealed Cherries would "always hold a special place in my heart" but that he had been unable to resist the chance to join Newcastle.

The Scotland international completed a shock £12million move to Tyneside, stepping down to the Championship despite being offered a new deal at Vitality Stadium.

Ritchie said: "I have been here before when my brother-in-law was at university so I knew Newcastle was a great city. Bournemouth will always hold a special place in my heart but it’s hard to turn it down when a massive club like this comes calling.

“These are exciting times for Newcastle, the fans and the players. It’s fantastic to be here. I didn’t see it as a step down or anything like that. If anything I think it could be a temporary thing."