Leicester City: De Laet joins Aston Villa
By Jake Cursley
Leicester City’s Belgian right-back Ritchie De Laet has parted ways with the club in order to join Aston Villa in the Championship.
Rumoured to be a £2m move, the Belgian looks to have a signed a three year deal with the West Midlands club after finding himself out of favour with Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri.
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The club website confirmed the move earlier today reporting the fee as being undisclosed.
De Laet played in both the Premier League and the Championship last season, picking up winners medals for both Leicester City and Middlesbrough.
The 27 year old split opinions for foxes fans but after appearing over 120 times for the Premier League Champions one thing is for sure, he has served the club well.
He joined from Manchester United in 2012 and went onto play in 129 games for Leicester City, scoring in 5. The last of which was during the 3 – 2 thriller last season against his new club Aston Villa.
Speaking on his Twitter, Ritchie De Laet said:
"“First I want to thank everyone at Leicester for 4 amazing years at the club. I’m wishing you the players the staff and the supporters all the best.”"
"“But now I’m delighted to have joined Aston Villa, can’t wait to get started and getting this club up where it belongs.”"
Roberto Di Matteo, former Champions League winner with Chelsea and now Aston Villa manager said:
"“I’m pleased to have brought Ritchie to the club. He is another player who not only has Championship experience but has also played a part in helping a team win promotion back to the Premier League.”"
Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri suggested earlier this summer that it was for the best that De Laet moves on along with Inler, Ben Hamer and Tom Lawrence.
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De Laet will find himself more game time at the recently relegated side, finding himself ahead in the pecking order of Alan Hutton, hopefully for Ritchie, his career at Villa is just as successful as with the foxes.