Proud Dad Schmeichel on the unforgettable day tragedy struck at the heart of Leicester
THE emotions quickly come flooding back for Peter Schmeichel.
Manchester United’s legendary former goalkeeper had been at home watching TV when son Kasper rang to tell him the news.
Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha had died with four other people in a helicopter crash at the King Power Stadium on October 27 last year.
Kasper (with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and Jamie Vardy, right) had run towards the burning wreckage in a desperate bid to save the stricken occupants. Dad Peter has been helping his son through the aftermath. The fall-out, the funeral and his attempt to get back to some sense of normality.
“I speak to Kasper every day,” said the 55-year-old Dane. “Every single day. We talk about all kinds of stuff. My life, his life. Whatever is happening.
“Of course, in that situation, that is what you talk about. You try to help him and guide him through, as best you can, from the life experience that you have. But there is nothing that prepares you for being a witness to that.
“Or for being the dad of someone, or the CEO, or the director of football for the club.
“I want to thank them, for the way that they all dealt with that. The way they stuck together. I’m very proud that my son is there.
“You don’t run to a burning helicopter, but that’s what he did. That speaks volumes for me. You BRENDAN RODGERS says he absolutely loves cunning old Fox Jamie Vardy. Rodgers (left) admires the edgy, instinctive style that has become the trademark of Leicester’s main man.
The former England striker, 32, has scored in both games since Rodgers was named as boss and shouldn’t benefit from any situation like that. You shouldn’t promote anyone for doing anything.
“But in times like that you need someone who can stand up, who you can lean against. He was one. Jon Rudkin (director of football) was one. Susan Whelan (chief executive) was another.
“The club showed enormous strength and togetherness, and they have, in this very tragic situation, so much to be proud of.”
His voice cracking, his eyes reddening, Peter added: “I knew now has his sights on struggling Fulham at the King Power today.
Rodgers said: “I love him to bits. I like that type of player – those who are a bit cunning and have an edge to them.
“His story is quite incredible. He was a bit of a rascal playing down in the lower leagues. He got into the game and then absolutely grabbed his chance.
“I remember talking to the England boys at Liverpool when Vichai as well. I’d met him on many, many occasions. It was a terrible thing to happen.
“Not only did Leicester lose their owner, their mento the guy that was driving th culture. He was such a big part them winning the title. The gam lost someone who’d had enormou value to football.”
Schmeichel was speaking at S George’s Park, where he wa studying the latest module his pro-licence coachin course. Son Kasper and th rest of the Leicester team w host Fulham today. The gam will continue their bid t return to normality und Brendan Rodgers, afte Claude Puel’s sacking.
Puel had lost five of h final six games in charge, bu Schmeichel rejected claim player power had seale his fate.
“What we are dealing wit now is a different world, different generation,” he sai he first got into the squad. I said, ‘Go on, tell me about Vardy’ and they said, ‘He’s not shy – straight down the back of the bus’ but what a great lad. He’s fantastic and he still has that hunger.”
Former Celtic boss Rodgers says Vardy’s name first came up when he was Swansea’s gaffer.
He added: “When I was manager there and he was making his way through at Fleetwood someone said we should go and his whole sto amazing. I’m and part of w
Rodgers ad surprised at t tactical nous what’s going
He added: so impressed how very goo
“He’s not ju runs around.