HEART-BROKEN SCHMEICHEL REVEALS HOW HE HAS STRUGGLED TO COPE WITH THE LOSS OF FOXES OWNER

Gray

KASPER Schmeichel says he will never be able to forget the late Leicester chairman’s chilling final moments. But the Foxes’ shot-stopper is determined to ensure the club thrives in Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s tragic absence to achieve the Thai billionaire’s vision. Schmeichel rallied Leicester’s stunned squad in a meeting in the aftermath of Srivaddhanaprabha’s helicopter crash. And the long-serving keeper helped lead Leicester to victory at Cardiff with a pumped-up display and clean sheet. The Dane had to choke back the tears before kick-off in the minute’s silence. As a close friend of Srivaddhanaprabha and the last player to see him alive, Schmeichel has felt the impact of the crash as much as anyone.

But he was determined to play after speaking to a grief counsellor and ran the length of the field to celebrate Demarai Gray’s winner.

Schmeichel reflected: “I was on the pitch, I waved him off, I saw it all happen.

It was something that will stay with me, unfortunately.

“It is not a nice memory but the club have been great and everybody has received the support they needed.

I spoke to somebody.”

Schmeichel played every game when Leicester won the Premier League title in 2015-16. He also starred in the Champions League the next season when City reached the quarter-finals. But he admitted the match and the victory in South Wales felt unique.

Schmeichel, who had the Thai flag on his gloves, said: “We have had some great times but it felt like a cup final. I haven’t really known a feeling like it on the pitch. “I am really glad to have won and we dug in. I think everyone is relieved more than anything.”

Boss Claude Puel had given all his players the choice whether they wanted to train and play. But he had his strongest squad to choose from as Schmeichel explained: “We were brought here by this man to do a job and we wanted to do that for him. It was emotional, yes, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. It gives you a certain strength.

“It is an emotional day and an emotional time but there was no question I was going to play.” Schmeichel called all the club’s staff on to the pitch during the minute’s silence before kick-off to form a line around the centre circle with his team-mates.

He and club captain Wes Morgan then addressed the group in a huddle before the kick-off.

Schmeichel said: “Wes said a bit, I said a bit. People had a lot to say because he meant so much to so many people. Everyone wanted to chip in. There was no real need for game plans or tactics, it was just about controlling our emotions. It was tough but we controlled it well I thought. We talked about having to stick together and be what we have always been – a family. We talked about how proud we are of being here, of being part of what he has built.”

After both sides hit the bar in the first half, Leicester ran out deserved winners.

A dominant second-half display included a 55th minute winner from Gray (left) who struck a half volley in front of the away fans.

Jonny Evans and Jamie Vardy had further chances before the end to make victory more comfortable but Leicester held out.

It ensured memorable celebrations long after the final whistle as squad, staff and fans stayed behind to honour their late chairman.

Schmeichel added: “There were amazing scenes at the end. For one man to be able to create that is quite unique. We didn’t really want this but we are all human beings and we are thankful for all the support we have received.

“That is what sport can do. It can bring people together in ways not many people can.”

As Srivaddhanaprabha understood more than most.