Matt Ritchie delivers fitness message ahead of Leeds United opener and why Portsmouth was move for him amid talk of Sheffield United & Co

And the Gosport lad has delivered a compelling response to questions over his fitness at the age of 34, following his Fratton homecoming.

Ritchie is adamant he is in a position to withstand the demands of a long second-tier campaign, after a lack of football in recent times at Newcastle United.

There was excitement this week at the capture of the left footer 13 years on from his departure from PO4.

Ritchie understands the romance around his return, but has outlined a steely focus on what lies ahead - and is confident he’s in a place to make a significant contribution to the Pompey cause.

He said: ‘I knew that if Portsmouth was an option it was right for me

‘My goal here is to achieve something special, I don’t want to just survive or be another player. I want to have an impact at this football club and that’s my goal.

‘My intentions are how can I be one of the guys the manager looks towards to inspire the team and make a difference?

‘The past and success is nice to look back on, but it’s what can I achieve? For me, that’s how ‘I’ve always been. What’s the next thing? How can we be successful?

‘I need to be aware I’ve just come into the building, but I pride myself on my physical condition and I’m as fit as I’ve ever been.

‘I know I’ve got some really good years left, and to be able to do that at a club dear to my heart is a really exciting challenge.

‘I’ve always said to anyone about the Championship, I love it. I may see it with rose-tinted glasses, but I’ve had three seasons in it and with Bournemouth we just missed out on the play-offs and won it in the second year. Then with Newcastle we also won the Championship.

‘I love it, I love the relentlessness of the Championship, I love the fact it’s back-to-back Saturday-Tuesday and then you put cup games in.  You get real rhythm and it’s something I’m really looking forward to.

‘I’ve been fit and available and I can’t remember the last time I had an injury.

‘Maybe that’s because I haven’t been playing so much on a Saturday, but I’ve been fit and available. I’ve been in every squad I can remember and I’ve trained every day.

‘At Newcastle there was a training percentage and I was in the two or three right at the top.

‘My fitness and physical condition is something I’ve always prided myself on.

‘I felt that if I was to have a career I would always have to be the one to work the hardest.

‘I honestly feel like I’m really fresh. I’ve got the bit between the teeth and I’ve got real ambition: I’m ready to go.’

Talk of Ritchie returning to Pompey has long circulated and reignited this summer, after initial suggestions a deal wasn’t on the cards.

There was naturally other options for the academy graduate after his Newcastle exit, with Sheffield United and Watford both credited with interest.

It was a homecoming which was always foremost on Ritchie’s mind, however.

He added: ‘I wouldn’t say I was close to going elsewhere, but I had other conversations.

‘But my heart and my desire, the fact Portsmouth had intent, meant it was a case of how can I make this work here?

‘Rich (Hughes) and John (Mousinho), the whole club really, have been fantastic and I really appreciate the opportunity to come back - and we now have to fight together.

‘The club wanted to make sure it was the right thing for the football club, which I fully respect.

‘We know the difficulties of situations previously here and the people at the top here are adamant that will not happen again. As as fan as well, that’s music to all of our ears.

‘That meant there was some time and conversations, but I have nothing but admiration for the club and what they’ve done to get us from where it was to where we are today.

‘It’s an unbelievable achievement, but we’re still looking to grow - and I want to be a big part of that.’