Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Claudio Ranieri challenges Leicester owner's son in FIRST statement after helicopter crash
CLAUDIO RANIERI wants the son of Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha to carry on in his father’s footsteps after the Thai businessman died in a helicopter crash on Saturday.
Leicester City squad pay respect at King Power Stadium
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha died on Saturday night when his helicopter crashed while leaving the stadium.
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha had taken a ride in the helicopter from the field an hour after Leicester’s 1-1 draw with West Ham.
But just moments into the journey the helicopter got into trouble and crashed in a ball of flames in the King Power car park.
Ranieri led Leicester to their remarkable 2016 title triumph but was sacked by Mr Srivaddhanaprabha in February the following year as the Foxes teetered on relegation.
Now it’s up to his son, who has always been in love with football, to carry on in his father’s footsteps
“I was terribly shaken by the news,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia when discussing the Leicester helicopter crash.
“He was a good man and always had a positive word for everyone. His positivity and ability to make everybody love him was clear for all to see. He came into the locker room only to dispense kind words, never to reproach you.
“One time soon after my birthday, he arrived in the locker room with a huge cake and made everyone sing ‘Happy Birthday.’
“He was an illuminated man and everything he touched became better.”
Ranieri, who is out of work after leaving Nantes earlier this year, called on Mr Srivaddhanaprabha’s son - Aiyawatt - to continue on from his father.
“Now it’s up to his son, who has always been in love with football, to carry on in his father’s footsteps,” Ranieri said.
“I remember when we first met that I immediately thought he was a positive person, full of energy.
“My objective when I arrived at Leicester was to secure Premier League safety, then we all know what happened.
“Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha made a very important contribution to the Premier League victory, as he’d arrive 30 minutes before the game to embrace everyone.
“He never said a word out of turn, was always happy with a smile on his face.
“I am so sad right now, I want to join the family in their grief.”