Leicester City confirmed on Sunday night that the club's owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those who tragically died in a helicopter accident following a Premier League game against West Ham on Saturday evening.
Players and those associated with the club have paid tribute to the man who helped Leicester win the Premier League in 2015/16.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel wrote on Twitter:
Dear Mr Chairman
I cannot believe this is happening. I am so totally devastated and heartbroken. I just cannot believe what I saw last night. It just doesn't seem real!
It is difficult to put into words how much you have meant to this football club and to the city of Leicester. We all know about the investment in the football club you and your family have made. But this is about so much more. You cared so deeply for not just the club but for the entire community. Your endless contribution to Leicester's hospitals and charities will never be forgotten. You went above and beyond in every aspect.
Never have I ever come across a man like you. So hard working, so dedicated, so passionate, so kind and so generous in the extreme. You had time for everyone. You touched everyone. It didn't matter who it was, you had time for them. I always admired you as a leader, as a father and as a man.
You changed football. Forever! You gave hope to everyone that the impossible was possible, not just to our fans but to fans all over the world in any sport! Not many people have done that. When you signed me back in 2011 you said to me we would be in the champions league within 6 years and we would do great things. You inspired me and I believed in you. You made me feel like nothing was impossible. Without you and your family, all this, everything we did together everything we achieved would never have happened. You gave me experiences that only happen in fantasy.
You literally made my dreams come true.
But what I am most proud of is to have been part of your vision. The environment you created. This club, this city is a family. And that is all because of you. For this I am eternally grateful. I am grateful to have known you and grown close to you and your amazing family and for all the private moments and joint experiences I had with you on a personal level. It breaks my heart to know I will never see you in the dressing room when I came in early from my warm-up and have a chat about everything and nothing. That you won't be there having fun and laughing with the boys and seeing your infectious smile and enthusiasm that rubbed off on everyone you came into contact with.
We now have a responsibility as a club, as players and fans to honour you. From knowing you we do this by being the family you created. By sticking together and supporting those closest to you through horrendous time.
You had a vision for this club, you wanted the best for us. There was absolutely nothing you wouldn't do for us. You were so passionate. We must honour your legacy by delivering for you on the pitch like you also wanted and continue being the close-knit family club that you built.
You will never know how much you meant to me and my family.
I am truly honoured and privileged to have been a small part of your life.
#TheBoss
Thank you ❤️ #theboss #lcfc pic.twitter.com/7qLuveBl4s
— Christian Fuchs (@FuchsOfficial) October 28, 2018
Words can’t describe how I feel. A truly great, kind, loving man who will be missed so much by everyone.
I will never forget the Chairman’s support, not only during my time @LCFC but also during the World Cup 😢 RIP ❤ #TheBoss pic.twitter.com/66aGjGGwX9— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) October 28, 2018
Thank you for everything you have done for me, the players, the fans, the club and the whole city of Leicester. You made mine and everyone else’s dream come true.I am devastated and can’t quite process what has happened but we will do our best to help this club grow. RIP #TheBoss pic.twitter.com/4oEuABIg54
— DANNY SIMPSON (@dannysimpson) October 28, 2018
Match of the Day presenter and for Leicester player, Gary Lineker, wrote on Instagram:
"Deeply saddened to hear the confirmation that Leicester chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was one of 5 people to lose their lives in the helicopter crash on Saturday evening.
"A quiet, unassuming man who will always be remembered with great fondness and respect. He also helped to bring the most magical, miraculous title win in the history of football. Thank you, Chairman for all you did for our football club. #RIP"
Picture credit: Shutterstock.com
