Super Saturday for Ritchie De Laet as defender wins promotion with Middlesbrough before collecting Leicester Premier League title medal
Ritchie de Laet enjoyed an unprecedented double celebration on Saturday when he picked up a Premier League winner's medal on the day his other team won promotion to the top flight.
The 27-year-old journeyman Belgian defender, who played 12 league matches for Leicester this season, joined Middlesbrough on loan in January and made 10 appearances for the north-east club to help them finish second in the Championship.
After Boro drew 1-1 with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday to confirm their promotion, De Laet travelled to the King Power Stadium to see Leicester beat Everton 3-1 before collecting English football's biggest prize for the first time.
"It's crazy, I'm still a Leicester player so I'll be on my way to catch the end of the Leicester game to get my medal there," De Laet told the BBC after the Middlesbrough match. "It's a great day for me."
De Laet, who has played twice for Belgium, started his career with Antwerp before joining Manchester United in 2009.
He spent three years at Old Trafford, making three league appearances amid several loans to other clubs, and moved to Leicester in 2012.
ArticleDouble joy as De Laet celebrates Boro promotion before Leicester titleLeicester CityMiddlesbrough FCPremier LeagueChampionshipIn Pictures: Leicester title celebrations
In Pictures: Leicester title celebrations
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1/19 King Claudio
Claudio Ranieri lifts an unbelievable title.
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2/19 Leicester are champions!
Joy for Leicester as they lift the title.
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3/19 What a story
The fireworks go off as the celebrations start.
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4/19 A true master
Andrea Bocelli sings Nessun Dorma in front of a packed King Power Stadium.
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5/19 Immortality awaits
The Premier League trophy was prepared for Leicester on Saturday afternoon.
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6/19 Not long now
The Foxes would soon have their hands on the famous trophy.
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7/19 King Claudio
Fans just couldn't keep themselves away from a new painting of Claudio Ranieri in Leicester.
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8/19 Earned, not bought
One fan makes his feelings known about some of Leicester's Premier League rivals.
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9/19 Foxy fans
There were plenty of costumes in and around the King Power in the run-up to kick-off.
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10/19 Fox cub
One young Leicester fan will surely never forget this day.
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11/19 A bit of blue
It was easier to spot the Leicester fans without face paint than with it.
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12/19 Arts and crafts
One fan with a homemade title - the players won't have to settle for cardboard, though.
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13/19 Turn on the style
A sea of blue and white flags welcomed the teams.
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14/19 Foxes in full voice
Bocelli thanks Foxes fans for the superb atmosphere.
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15/19 No going back now
Fans poke fun at Gary Lineker, who promised to present Match of the Day in his underpants if his team won the league,
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16/19 Vardy party
Jamie Vardy celebrates after scoring the opener.
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17/19 A true blue
Leicester celebrate with Vardy after his comeback goal.
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18/19 Foxes squad
Leicester's title-winning squad.
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19/19 Teamwork
Ranieri and captain Wes Morgan lift the trophy.
