Kasper voices Foxes’ sorrow
who wanted to talk, while some players went for a walk around the pitches to collect their thoughts.
A club source said: “It was a day all really geared about just being together after everything that has happened.”
The players then moved on to the stadium where the sea of floral tributes has been growing by the hour.
Before the squad went out among the crowds to see the shrine, every member of staff at the ground from the boardroom to the kitchens was called together out on the pitch. That must have been particularly moving for Vichai’s widow Aimon and son Aiyawatt, known as ‘Top’, as it was from there that the helicopter took off on its last fateful flight.
Afterwards Vichai’s family members, the playing staff and Puel went out among the fans to look at the tributes. At one point the crowd spontaneously burst into applause in memory of the man who had brought so much to the club.
Players made it known that they had lost a special friend.
Schmeichel said: “It is difficult to put into words how much you have meant to this football club and to the city of Leicester. I cannot believe this is happening. I am so totally devastated and heartbroken. I just cannot believe what I saw. It just doesn’t seem real.
“You gave hope to everyone that the impossible was possible, not just to our fans but to fans all over the world in any sport.
“You changed football. Forever. You gave hope to everyone that the impossible was possible. You literally made my dreams come true.
“We now have a responsibility as a club, as players and fans to honour you. From knowing you we do this by being the family you created.”
Foxes and England defender Harry Maguire said: “Words can’t describe how I feel. I will never forget the chairman’s support, not only during my time at the club but also during the World Cup.”
Striker Jamie Vardy added: “Struggling to find the right words, but to me you are a legend, an incredible man who had the biggest heart, the soul of Leicester City Football Club. Thank you for everything you did for me, my family and our club.”
A book of condolence will be opened at the stadium this morning. Inspectors from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch have recovered the helicopter’s flight recorder and are analysing the data at their Farnborough base.