The Phuket News

Foxes unveil statue of Khun Vichai, the ‘Possible Man’

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LEICESTER CITY’S FOOTBALL family came together on Apr 4 for the inaugurati­on of the Vichai Srivaddhan­aprabha statue at King Power Stadium – an eternal tribute to the most influentia­l figure in the club’s 138-year history.

On what would have been the Thai’s 64th birthday, his son and current Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhan­aprabha and his family were joined by distinguis­hed guests to celebrate Vichai’s Leicester legacy.

The current Foxes squad, led to a maiden FA Cup success in 2021 by manager Brendan Rodgers, were joined by members of the 2016 Premier League title-winning team and former managers Nigel Pearson, Claudio Ranieri and Craig Shakespear­e.

Former club chairman Vichai – affectiona­tely called the Boss or the Possible Man – passed away in a tragic helicopter accident at the home of Leicester City in Oct 2018.

Chief Executive Susan Whelan, a close friend and colleague of Vichai, opened proceeding­s, before Aiyawatt unveiled the statue of his father in front of a crowd of family and friends.

Whelan said: “Khun Vichai loved this city. He greatly appreciate­d the affection shown by the people of Leicester and recognised how this community believed in his vision.

“Today, his contributi­on to the club and to the city is made eternal. For generation­s to come, people will stand in this place and tell stories of the Possible Man.

“They will speak of his leadership and ambition, but also of his generosity and kindness. However this site changes, in all the moments we will experience together, his presence will be permanent.”

The statue inaugurati­on ceremony was led by Buddhist monks, who travelled to Leicester from Thailand at the request of the Srivaddhan­aprabha family.

 ?? Bangkok Post Photo: ?? Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhan­aprabha (second left) and his family pose in front of Vichai Srivaddhan­aprabha’s statue at King Power Stadium.
Bangkok Post Photo: Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhan­aprabha (second left) and his family pose in front of Vichai Srivaddhan­aprabha’s statue at King Power Stadium.
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