Leicester City to build statue to honour Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

Vichai transformed Leicester beyond recognition during his time at the club

Leicester City will build a statue to commemorate their late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was one of five people to pass away when his helicopter tragically crashed as it left the King Power Stadium following the Foxes’ 1-1 draw against West Ham two weeks ago.

The club opened a book of condolences and Leicester fans, as well as supporters from around the country, have been bringing tributes to the stadium since the owner’s death.

Last week, Leicester played their first match since the tragic incident and Demarai Gray, who scored the only goal of the 1-0 win against Cardiff, lifted his shirt to reveal “For Khun Vichai”.

Now, after naming the club’s foundation after him, Leicester have confirmed a statue will be built outside the stadium.

“The late Leicester City Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha will be immortalised at King Power Stadium through the commissioning of a memorial statue,” the club confirmed.

Supporters have already raised £20,000 towards the newly named foundation, which has raised £2m for local charities since its formation in 2011/12.

The supporter display outside the stadium has started to be moved as Leicester prepare to host Burnley on Saturday - their first home match since the incident. Flowers, shirts and messages have been taken away from the dedicated area, with some being placed pitchside and others being preserved with the intention of being added to part of the stadium itself.

Demarai Gray scored the game's only goal as Leicester defeated Cardiff last week (Getty)

Hours after beating Cardiff last week, some of the Leicester players travelled to Thailand to pay their respects at Vichai’s funeral; Jamie Vardy, Harry Maguire, Shinji Okazaki and Schmeichel among those that attended the ceremony at the Wat Thepsirin Temple.

Leicester manager Claude Puel admitted that some preparations for the Burnley game have been difficult after a 12,000 mile round trip, but retains that it was important to pay their respects.

"It was a long journey but very important for us, for the players and staff to support Vichai's family," he said.

On Saturday supporters will be given commemorative scarves, pin badges, clappers and programmes while the players will wear special shirts with Srivaddhanaprabha's named on.

A special 'Tribute to Khun Vichai' video will also be shown on the big screens inside the ground while thousands of fans plan to march from Jubilee Square in the city centre to the ground.