Leicester City chairman's son Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha thanks fans for 'overwhelming support' in moving tribute to father

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, son of Leicester City's chairman Vichai, pays his respects among the sea of tributes to the victims of the helicopter crash
Getty Images
Patrick Grafton-Green31 October 2018

The son of Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s has thanked fans for their “overwhelming support” as he paid emotional tribute to his father.

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, who is the club's vice chairman, posted on Instagram on Wednesday following Saturday's helicopter crash which claimed the lives of five people.

He said he would miss his father with "all his heart" and vowed to carry on his legacy at Leicester City.

It came as Leicestershire Police formally identified Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha as one of the people who died in the crash outside the King Power Stadium.

Tributes laid for Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanapra

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The 33-year-old, known as 'Top', laid a wreath with his mother Aimon at the stadium on Monday and viewed tributes with the squad.

"I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for this overwhelming support," he wrote in a post which also appeared on the club's Thai Instagram account.

"What happened made me realise how important my dad was to many people all over the world and I am touched by how many people kept him close to their hearts.

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel look at tributes
REUTERS

"I am extremely proud to have such an extraordinary father. From him I have received a very big mission and legacy to pass on and I intend to do just that.

"I know I will receive the support to make this happen and I am so grateful for all your messages and kind words.

"For a long time, my father taught me to be strong and to take care of my family. He had a way of teaching me about life and work without making it seem like a lesson. He was my mentor and role model.

Aiyawatt lays a wreath with Aimon Srivaddhanaprabha, the wife Vichai
Getty Images

"Today, he left me with a legacy to continue and I will do everything I can to carry on his big vision and dreams.

"My family and I would like to thank each and every one of you for your sincere kindness and good intentions during the most difficult time for us.

"I miss you dad, with all of my heart."

The tribute comes before the five of the club's main fan groups meet on Wednesday to plan their homage to the owner.

The Supporters' Club, the Foxes Trust, the Disabled Supporters Association, Foxes Pride and Union FS will discuss the best way to pay their respects at the next home match against Burnley.

A mosaic and a flag are under consideration.

They are also planning to participate in a march from the city centre to the King Power Stadium before Burnley's November 10 visit.

Leicester will play Saturday's Premier League game at Cardiff after Tuesday's Carabao Cup game with Southampton was postponed following the accident.

Two members of the chairman's staff, Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, and pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz also died in the crash.

Tributes from fans and players have continued to grow outside the club's North Stand.

Additional reporting by Press Association

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