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Riyad Mahrez pays emotional tribute to Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha after Manchester City beat Tottenham

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Riyad Mahrez gave an emotional interview after Manchester Citys win over Leicester (Sky Sports)

Riyad Mahrez has paid an emotional tribute to Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha following Manchester Citys victory over Tottenham on Monday evening.

The Algeria international scored the winning goal in the first half at Wembley and celebrated with a dedication to Srivaddhanaprabha, who was killed in a helicopter crash outside King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Mahrez won the Premier League title at Leicester City during Srivaddhanaprabhas reign and had a close bond with the clubs chairman.

It has been very, very difficult for me. It is not easy to have this type of stuff, Mahrez told Sky Sports after Citys win over Spurs.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on October 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) — Mahrez decided his goal to Leicester Citys owner (Getty Images)

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The Boss was very special to me. I spent four and a half years there and have many memories with him. He was such a good person.

I am very, very, very sad. That is why when I scored I put my hands in the sky for him.

He did a lot for me and Leciester and it is difficult to speak about. It it is very sad.

Mahrez and Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha were together at Leicester City (Getty Images)

He was like a dad. He was very special.

He was such a good person, a big heart and it was heart-breaking and shocking for me to hear this news and for all of the other people who died with him. It is a difficult situation I am with Leicester and the family of the victims.

Asked when he decided to play the match on Monday evening, Mahrez replied: I always wanted to play. I know he would have wanted me to play.

He was passionate about football. It was difficult [to play against Tottenham] but I kept thinking about him. It was difficult to sleep as well.