Leicester City’s on-loan defender Ritchie De Laet is relishing the prospect of celebrating two league titles this season.
The 27-year-old joined Middlesbrough on a temporary deal in February but had made 12 Premier League appearances for Leicester this term and will be given a winners’ medal.
“I still feel part of the group,” the Belgian told Het Laatste Nieuws.
"It feels like my title. I was part of the success. Against Aston Villa, I scored an important goal and of the 12 games that I played, we lost only one. Winning the title was a special moment for everyone.”
Middlesbrough currently sit second in the Championship but could win the title this Saturday if they beat Brighton and Burnley fail to win at Charlton.
De Laet was unable to celebrate with his Leicester team-mates at Jamie Vardy’s house but the defender is hoping he will be lifting two trophies this Saturday.
“I had to get up at five o'clock the next day to go to training. I had to watch the game between Chelsea and Tottenham from bed. Middlesbrough fans would not have forgiven me if they saw me at Vardy’s house party. I called him – he was my good friend at Leicester.
"Am I sorry that I left? In retrospect, maybe. I wanted to play more games and they could not guarantee me that. After last season, we could never have predicted that it would become such a success story. After Christmas, our dream was to get European football.
"Hopefully I will get promoted with Middlesbrough. It would be nice to celebrate two things in one season. This Saturday, we play at 12.30pm and Leicester at 17.30pm. Maybe I can be there in time to celebrate the dressing room. I'll pick up my medal and my title.”
"The future? I have a two-year contract with Leicester and they expect me back for pre-season. I will make sure I'm as fit as a fiddle. I must take my chance if I get it. But if I cannot play enough again, I might have to search for something else. Champions League or not.”...
- Goal