Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy and wife Rebekah were seen weeping today as they paid tribute to club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha at a memorial left by heartbroken fans following his death in a helicopter crash.
The couple, who previously referred to the late chairman as 'a member of their extended family', both wiped tears from their eyes as they walked past the huge amount of floral tributes and club shirts dedicated to the 60-year-old Thai billionaire.
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha was among five people killed in the disaster shortly after the aircraft took off from the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening.
In a tribute posted on Instagram on Sunday alongside a picture of Mr Srivaddhanaprabha at the Vardys' wedding, Rebekah wrote: 'You may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts....yesterday we lost a member of our extended family, a man that meant the world to us and to so many.
'He was the kindest person with the biggest heart! Irreplaceable.... Thank you for everything you did for us. Devastated, heartbroken... may you rest in peace.'
The football club opened a book of condolence at the stadium this morning and there has been a steady stream of supporters arriving since the early hours.
Supporters continue to lay their tributes, including flowers, scarves and shirts to the ever-growing shrine which now extends down one side of the stadium.
Meanwhile Jamie wrote his own tribute on Instagram and said: 'Struggling to find the right words....but to me you are 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. I will truly miss you.... may you rest in peace...#theboss'.
Injured Leicester midfielder Daniel Amartey was also among the players to lay tributes outside the stadium this morning.
Fans were also quick to sign the book of condolence to talk about the memories Mr Srivaddhanaprabha helped create for the club and city.
Among the messages in the book, one read: 'A grateful and grieving city thanks you, for all you have done for our city + our club. R.I.P always x'
Another stated: 'To the dream maker. Thank you so much for what you have done for our great club. You will always be in my thoughts. R.I.P. xxxxx'
Another said: 'You brought so many smiles to the club and the city especially mine. You touched so many hearts. Mine feels broken. Thank you for giving me the bear day of my life - forever in our hearts and always in our soul. Rest in peace - Boss.'
It emerged today that the model of helicopter involved in the crash, an AgustaWestland AW169, has a 'blemish-free' record.
A spokesman for its manufacturer told the Daily Telegraph: 'This is the first ever accident involving an AW169 helicopter.'
Leicester are expected to make a decision in the next 24 hours on whether the players feel ready to face Cardiff on Saturday following their owner's death.
Current plans are for the fixture to go ahead but the mental state of the team is being assessed and the Premier League are sensitive to the unique trauma of the situation.
It is thought the wreckage of the plane will be removed from the car park where it crashed at the end of this week. A full report into what happened is likely to take many months.
At 8am this morning the club opened a specially-erected marquee where fans and people from the wider community in Leicester can come and write their messages in the book.
The marquee, which is situated outside the club shop, will be open every day from 8am until 10pm 'for the foreseeable future.' People unable to visit the stadium can leave a message in an online book of condolence via the club's website.
Leicester's City Hall and County Hall will also light up in blue this week to honour Srivaddhanapradha, as well as Nusara Suknamai, Kaveporn Punpare, Izabela Roza Lechowicz and pilot Eric Swaffer who also died in the crash.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) continue to conduct its investigations as it tries to establish what caused Saturday's tragedy.
Leicester were due to play Southampton tonight at the King Power Stadium but that Carabao Cup tie was postponed on Sunday. It is not yet clear whether the Premier League match away at Cardiff this weekend will go ahead.
On Monday, son and vice chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha was joined by his mother and Vichai's wife Aimon at the ground as they laid a wreath during an emotional morning.
Club officials, including director of football Jon Rudkin and chief executive Susan Whelan, also attended as they viewed the floral tributes.
The president of the Thai FA Somyot Poompanmoung and his wife, Potjaman Poompamoung, were among the group.
The first-team squad, along with manager Claude Puel, then spent 10 minutes looking at the tributes on Monday afternoon.
Yesbders
0
I am so sad because the world will remember him 'may the soul perfect in peace. I saw the Charmin go to heaven for me don't no 'I want to. thank to the players and fans
solidworks
1
Yeah yeah... The Vardy Show continues.... its not about them for a change
yukon
2
I really don¿t know how the players and club are going to recover, with the venue serving as a constant reminder.
Newtondu
0
Terrible accident, horrible shame. I wish my club, Charlton, had an owner half as passionate and loyal. But shrines? Bit much, what about the other four people on board?
Neilmike
0
That man believed in god and football and Leicester, so sad god always take the good ones away
ssuolow
0
It wasn't just winning the league, it was how they did it ... Remarkable achievement
Christiansmo
0
There have been a number of tragedies in the history of football but this is right up there, utterly, utterly, devastating and incredibly sad.
Derobect
0
it's so sad, and so many emotional people he must of been a really nice man rip
likeermen
1
We don't follow football, so had not heard of this gentleman before this terrible incident but he seems to have been well liked and generous to the local community- my condolences to his family and friends. I do think the press could keep a respectful distance from the fans that are paying their condolences as in this photo
Kathhy
1
This is tragic but I'm just thinking that if you are going to have a shrine have it for everyone not just the billionaire owner. Five people died, everyone is equal in death.
Abbyabbie
0
Thoughts and prayers to all families involved, LCFC and the city of Leicester during this difficult time. He was a truly loved owner and that is a rarity these days. The brightest stars burn out the fastest. Condolences from a NFFC fan.
Ericssona
0
To hear words from so many teams, competitors and managers the man had so much respect for so much of which he had achieved with a premiership team. RIP
Perkings
0
Proper chairman and he knew how to run a club probably unlike most the teams in the prem
Josejob
0
Lovely to see how loved and appreciated he was at Leicester by all these tributes, not many club owners have achieved this.
Manhattane
0
Every person should be given their own time and space to grieve and to show respect in their own way and not to have camera's photographing their every move.
Postman
0
Football fans are called hooligans thugs etc....but to see all the flowers and how the fans have all united togeather to a very much loved man is so wonderful to see....but bitter sweet.
oedipus
0
I know flowers are nice but if people donated the cost of them to a charity in his memory it would be better
Gerrezim
0
Not sure of the Vardys motives here - hers in particular
Waynens
0
Very very sad affair. In my thoughts throughout the day. I am not a football supporter, however that's not relevant here. So sorry for all those who died, and those left behind with a loss.
amicablea
0
Its a tragic loss! The club and its owner changed his life forever! He has a right to mourn!
Footballfor
0
I have never heard of this man but he must be a very special person, looking at all the flowers outpouring of grief rest in peace condolences to his family and Leicester club
Nicholaa
0
Didn't take her long to sniff out a photo opportunity. Disgraceful woman.
Ericssona
0
Considering he was laughing and joking yesterday i'm assuming his PR people have had a little chat with him since as those actions won't further his post football career. As for his wife, she'd go to the opening of a telephone kiosk if there was a camera crew on hand.
oldestwo
0
Sorry to sound cynical, but I did wonder how long it would take her to jump on the bandwagon.
Richarder
0
We stand with you Leicester. Love from the Chelsea family
Radionicse
0
Sorry, why is this about them? Absolutely not interested in these two self publicists. Shameful pictures in the light of several families suddenly and cruelly bereaved.
yummybe
0
Some nasty and disgusting comments on here ! The vardys obviously knew this man and family very well .... they came to there wedding ! Show some respect .... Thoughts and prayers to everyone involved in this awful tragedy from a Millwall fan x
paddler
0
Going down after work today. What this man has done for Leicester and not just the football team is amazing! Truely loved and missed by everyone here.
blossomaea
0
What's even more sad is the people writing negative comments, what sort of character must you be to think the absolute worst in a person/situation at a time like this?.. It is a terrible tragedy and everyone is in-titled to show their respect, you may not of known this person but what he done for the supporters/players of Leicester City and people who follow football around the world is something you will never see in this lifetime again.. In sporting terms this mans club achieved the impossible, believing in what was only a distant dream and achieved it with class and with the people of Leicester, and now good people understand this and show respect....
deduce
0
She will be back on holiday next week life goes on sometimes I think these so called celebrities feel they have to do something very false .
Backyard
0
I don¿t follow football but what I understand is that he used his personal wealth to help turn the club round and was extremely well liked by fans and players alike on a personal level. Of course there are always wars and famines going on in the world, and many people givie to appropriate charities to help in a small way. Does that mean they can¿t express their grief and solidarity in a situation like this?
Moore89
0
vardy...was seen on the main news yesterday with his team mates ..laughing and joking looking at the flowers ? bit different today with his attention seeking wife !
background
0
I can't help but feel Rebecca is using this for her own gain. Don't see the other wags coming out
intolerant
0
I don't follow football but clearly this man was loved by so many & gave so much to so many & brought so many people so much happiness and all of the tributes reflect this. Such a sad story.
playbra
0
RIP and condolences to all the families
boostero
0
They should have been given privacy here.It is their private heartbreaking moment.
deduce
0
She will be back on holiday next week life goes on sometimes I think these so called celebrities feel they have to do something very false .
bushlive
0
As a Buddhist, he will not have feared death, he will have believed in a journey to a temporary heaven and a reincarnation in another realm, until he reaches nirvana. The sadness is for the people left behind, who will be deeply affected, and miss the departed, not forgetting the families of the pilot and his other passengers.
tuition
0
Mourning someones passing, especially someone who gave as much as him. is never "over the top".
Brightons
0
People are so nasty. He was at their wedding at was very close with the players and their families. They are paying their respects.
QWERTYbe
0
So heartbreaking. I hope his family find some comfort in seeing how much he is loved and respected.
freefell
0
Before anyone says over the top just remember that not only did he save the club from administration but gave millions to the hospital to charity and to many other good courses around Leicester and Leicestershire so the Leicester people love and respected him !.
FCBneuer
0
The only surprise is that it has taken her this long to find a media angle. Its all about her.
erkteamon
0
I'd never heard of this gentleman before, but my goodness he left his mark in people's hearts...and in the end, that is all that really matters. Deepest condolences to his wife, children, and loves ones, and of course those of the pilot, his co pilot, and the other two poor Souls on board. who all lost their lives in this Tragic accident. RIP
quaooma
0
Sounds like we are only hearing how respected he was and well liked only now. Unless you're involved or support football, this man's generosity wasn't common knowledge. A terrible accident and my thoughts are with all those affected .
Mutuamente
0
The respect shown to this man has been incredible.