Sports

Heartbroken Leicester City players pay tribute to owner killed in helicopter crash

254

Leicester City owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, died in the tragic helicopter crash (Picture: Getty)

Leicester Citys shocked and heartbroken players have paid tribute to the clubs chairman after he was confirmed as one of five people to have died in the helicopter crash.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who bought Leicester in 2010, died when his helicopter spun out of control and crashed in a fireball outside the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Nursara Suknamai, Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz also lost their lives in the tragic incident.

Thousands of football shirts, scarves and flowers have already been placed outside the ground.

More: Football

Goalkeeper Kasper Schemeichel, one of the stars of Leicesters remarkable Premier League title triumph in 2016, led the tributes from the teams players.

Advertisement Advertisement

He said: It is difficult to put into words how much you have meant to this football club and to the city of Leicester.

I cannot believe this is happening. I am so totally devastated and heartbroken. I just cannot believe what I saw last night. It just doesnt seem real!

Srivaddhanaprabha bought the club back in 2010 (Picture: Getty)

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 Leicesters hospitals and charities will never be forgotten. You went above and beyond in every aspect.

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 elses dream come true.I am devastated and cant 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

Devastated and heartbroken at the news that no one survived the helicopter crash yesterday Life isnt fair sometimes. A wonderful thoughtful man who lived and breathed Leicester City Football Club. Rest in Peace Boss #ThanksBoss pic.twitter.com/vJmksNjFf5

— James Maddison (@Madders10) October 28, 2018

English clubs have been paying their respects to Srivaddhanaprabha, with Liverpool owners John W Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon issuing a joint statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

They said: Vichai is a great loss not just to his club but to the Premier League and English football as a whole.

Srivaddhanaprabha was the ultimate custodian for the club he bought and then gracefully served.

The Premier League title win, one of world footballs all-time great stories, is of course the standout achievement.

But beyond that, he led his club in a manner which all of us in this privileged position aspire to. Success on the pitch, allied with outstanding governance off it.