Antwerp have released a video confirming that veteran defender Ritchie De Laet will leave the club at the end of the season. The defender, who re-joined the side permanently during the 2019/2020 campaign, has only managed 24 appearances in all competitions this season, including four in the Champions League. Despite having played for the likes of Manchester United as a youngster, this was his first time playing amongst the European elite. During his time with the club he was certainly a fan favourite.
❤️🤍 Wij Begrijpen Mekaar ❤️🤍
— Royal Antwerp FC (@official_rafc) March 29, 2024
Aan het eind van dit seizoen nemen we afscheid van clubicoon Ritchie De Laet. Maar eerst: nog één keer alles geven! 👊 pic.twitter.com/QreFsTkm7m
De Laet, who began his professional career with Antwerp before joining Manchester United in 2009, returned to the club and was part of the side that won the league for the first time since 1957. This added yet another trophy to the defenders collection. He was part of the Manchester United squad that won the league during the 2008/2009 season, as well as the Leicester City side that shocked everyone when they won in 2015/2016.
De Laet spent much of his career in England, playing for the likes of Preston, Sheffield United, Norwich, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Portsmouth. He also had a brief spell in Australia with Melbourne City, where he scored seven goals and provided one assist.
In 204 appearances for Antwerp, he has scored seven goals and provided eight assists. With the side making the domestic cup final for the second successive season, he has a chance to add yet another trophy to his many accolades. It has not been confirmed yet whether he will retire from football at the end of the season or seek a new club.
Incredible goal from former Manchester United and Norwich defender Ritchie De Laet against KV Oostende this evening 🚀pic.twitter.com/MzSEPoA0RR
— Get Belgian & Dutch Football News (@GBeNeFN) October 20, 2022
