14 Sep Premier League winner De Laet joins Melbourne City

Leicester City championship winning defender Ritchie De Laet has signed with Melbourne City ahead of the 2018/19 A-League season.

De Laet joins the club after honing his craft with Leicester, Manchester United and Norwich City in the EPL. He comes to the A-League on a season-long loan from Championship side Aston Villa.

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“I’m excited to join a club like Melbourne City with big ambitions, that plays attractive football and has a very strong coaching group, led by a coach I know well, Warren Joyce,” De Laet told the club’s website.

“I enjoyed playing under Warren earlier in my career. He’s a coach that’s always looking help improve players and demands hard work.

“I’m looking forward to getting out in front of the fans and helping contribute to the team this year.”

Joyce, who coached the Belgian in Man United's reserves between 2009 and 2012, shared his excitement to work with De Laet this campaign.

“Ritchie has a lot of experience at a very high level and his quality and versatility provides us with a number of options,” Joyce said.

“I know Ritchie well having coached him before during my time in England and Belgium. He can play as a defender or across the midfield with quality on the ball to help link defence and attack.”