OUR MISSION LIVES ON
GRIEVING Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has vowed to continue his father’s remarkable mission at their Leicester City “family”.
The Foxes vice-chairman, known as Top, has stepped up to assume control of the business empire run by Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died when his helicopter crashed on Saturday evening.
Top said: “I’m 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 that I will receive the support I need 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
our family. He loved his family and he made Leicester City into a family.
“And nothing would make him prouder than to see how the Leicester City family that he built is supporting each other through a time of such sadness.
“My dad had a way of teaching me about life and work without making it seem like a lesson. He was my mentor and role model.
“Today, he has left me with a legacy to continue and I will do everything I can to carry on his big vision and dreams.”
Leicester, who won the Premier League title in 2016, return to action on Saturday at Cardiff after Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie with Southampton was postponed after the disaster.
Top is not due at the game as he is repatriating his father’s body back to Thailand for the funeral.
But he is expected at Burnley’s visit next weekend and has thanked fans and Foxes stars and staff for their support.
He said: “I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for this overwhelming support.
“Thank you, also, to Leicestershire Police and the emergency services. Their fast response on Saturday kept a lot of people safe. Their professionalism and sensitivity since then have made the last few days as bearable as they could be.
“What happened made me realise how important my dad was to many people all over the world.
“My family and I would like to thank each and every one of you for your sincere kindness and good intentions during this most difficult time.”
Claude Puel’s squad trained again yesterday but have today off before travelling to Wales tomorrow. The club originally intended to go by plane but have changed plans amid sensitivities over flying.