Old pals’ shootout has Ritch fired up

AS LAST days go, few can beat Ritchie De Laet’s amazing climax to the season in 2016.

Winning promotion from the Championship with Middlesbrough, then jumping in his car to join Leicester’s Premier League medal celebrations gives him a unique insight into final-day drama.

The former Manchester United and Leicester defender, 31, is genuinely excited at today’s unfolding Champions League shootout at the King Power Stadium.

And the Royal Antwerp star admits he will have split loyalties.

Foxes striker Jamie Vardy is still a big mate, while not long ago he exchanged messages with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who helped his progress when he was reserve-team manager at Old Trafford.

And he knows emotions will be high with a Champions League pot of gold on offer for the winners.

“My last day was just crazy, nothing could beat that,” said De Laet.

“Celebrating promotion with Boro then making it to Leicester to get my medal.

“I was so tired I missed both parties.

“But I can’t wait for this one. If I was going to choose a winner it would be United because of the run they’re on.”

De Laet will be happy for whoever emerges on top – but he believes Solskjaer will gain plenty if he guides United to the Champions League.

“If I’m honest I never thought he’d be in charge of United so quickly but he’s done a good job to get the club into this position on the last day,” said the Belgian.

But he will also be delighted if pal Vardy tastes Champions League again.

“It’ll be massive for Vards – and a reward for the loyalty he showed Leicester after winning the title,” he added.

“Another crack at Champions League would be big for him.”