Vichai’s legacy is motivation for the players

BRENDAN Rodgers has reminded his Leicester City squad of the legacy of late chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha ahead of the FA Cup final, writes Jordan Blackwell.

The City boss has revealed that he sat down with his players this week to go over the principles he introduced when he first arrived at the King Power Stadium.

Khun Vichai lost his life in a helicopter crash in October 2018, and respecting his legacy is a huge motivational factor as they take on Chelsea at Wembley today.

“We had a chat on Thursday morning around that,” Rodgers said.

“We revisited when I first came in, two-and-a-half years ago back in 2019, when I talked about the cause and why we were doing it.

“Back then we sat as a team and collectively had a set of values and a signpost going forward.

“Of course, for Khun Vichai and his family, they were obviously a massive motivator because even though he’s not here our fight every day is to continue with his legacy and the dreams he had for Leicester and the supporters.

“We still very much feel his presence. You see it here in the training facility and I’m very protective of that.

“I try to ensure that the players understand that it’s more than football why we’re here.

“That’s a huge part of our story and an influence for the development of this club. We fight every day to protect that.”

Vichai’s son Aiyawatt will be present at Wembley today having spent time with the squad at the training ground this week.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant,” Rodgers said.