• Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died in a helicopter crash in October 27, 2018
  • Four others also died when aircraft lost control at the King Power Stadium
  • The Carabao Cup final is like a World Cup final for Mauricio Pochettino, if Chelsea beat Liverpool it’ll be enormous for him – It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

Ben Chilwell has lifted the lid to TNT Sport on how he and his former Leicester City team-mates chose to honour the memory of then-owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, following his death in October 2018.

The Foxes owner and four others were killed in a helicopter crash at the King Power Stadium on October 27, 2018 when the aircraft spun out of control and crashed outside the ground after the club’s 1-1 draw with West Ham in the Premier League.

Srivaddhanaprabha, 60, died along with his assistants Kavenporn Punpare and Nusara Suknamai, 33. Pilot Eric Swaffer, 53, and his girlfriend Izabela Roza Lechowicz, 46, were also killed.

The incident devastated everyone connected with Leicester City – with Srivaddhanaprabha having transformed their fortunes having bought the club for £39million in 2010.

Under his ownership the Foxes won the Premier League in 2016, having started the season as 5,000/1 outsiders.

Ben Chilwell (left) has opened up about his tribute to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha after his death

Ben Chilwell (left) has opened up about his tribute to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha after his death

Srivaddhanaprabha and four others were killed in a helicopter crash on October 27, 2018

Srivaddhanaprabha and four others were killed in a helicopter crash on October 27, 2018

The incident happened just hours after Chilwell started for Leicester in a 1-1 draw vs West Ham

The incident happened just hours after Chilwell started for Leicester in a 1-1 draw vs West Ham

Chilwell came through the ranks at Leicester and had started at left back against West Ham just hours before Srivaddhanaprabha’s death.

The now-27-year-old enjoyed a close relationship with Srivaddhanaprabha and still honours his memory today in a heartwarming gesture.

‘My next keepsake is this Leicester shirt. This is another very special keepsake because it was the shirt I wore on the day Vichai passed away,’ he said on TNT Sport’s new digital series called Keepsakes.

‘We all felt as players that it was very important that we honored him so all decided to get the shirts framed. It’s hung up in my house and it’s nice to have that memory.

‘The memory of him will not die in any of our eyes because we all have these shirts. I remember the very positive and loving memories that we all had at that time. 

‘When I see the shirt now, it’s the memory of the dinners we all had together, the nights out we would have and just how generous he was to us and how he supported all of us.’

And reflecting on the mark Srivaddhanaprabha left on him and what he learned from his death, Chilwell – who swapped Leicester for Chelsea for £50m in August 2020 – was in a reflective mood.

‘I remember the very fun and positive moments we had, and it brings me back to such a happy part of my life,’ he continued.

‘I think the way that this impacted all of us, it actually impacted us positively because it brought us all close together. It made us this family. 

‘We wanted to win games for him and each other and the fans. It wasn’t just us that went through that; it was his family and everyone associated with Leicester as a club. 

‘It hit all of us very hard. For me personally, I learned not to take anything for granted – it put a lot into perspective. It was a sad moment for all of us.’

Srivaddhanaprabha’s legacy continues through the club’s charitable foundation, which was renamed in the chairman’s honour after his death and supports community projects across the city and county.

Ben ChilwellFootball League Championship

[ad_2]
Post source: Daily mail

You May Also Like

Kobbie Mainoo Promoted to England’s Senior Squad Despite No Player Drops

Kobbie Mainoo, a promising young talent from Manchester United, has been a…

Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga’s injury not serious; staff expects quick recovery for Athletic match this weekend

Eduardo Camavinga, a key midfielder for Real Madrid, recently faced an injury…

Manuel Akanji withdraws from Switzerland squad due to injury, returning to Man City

Manuel Akanji, a Swiss international and a key player for Manchester City,…

Man United may be barred from Europe next season due to UEFA’s refusal to change ownership rules, impacting Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Man United may be barred from Europe next season due to UEFA’s…