Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, the son of Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, has vowed to continue honour his father by continuing his legacy at the King Power Stadium.
Thai billionaire Vichai died on Saturday night along with four other passengers when his helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from the club's pitch.
Vichai achieved great things after buying Leicester in 2010 — as the Foxes won promotion from the Championship 2014 before becoming the most unlikely Premier League champions just two years later.
And Aiyawatt does not want Leicester's fairytale to end now. In an emotional statement released on Instragram, he paid tribute to his dad and promised to do everything he can 'to carry on his big vision and dreams'.
The statement read: 'I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for this overwhelming support. What happened made me realize how important my dad was to many people all over the world and I'm touched by how many people kept him close to their hearts. I'm extremely proud to have such an extraordinary father. From him, I have received a very bis mission and legacy to pass on and I intend to do just that.
'I know that I will receive the support I need to make this happen and I am grateful for all your messages and kind words.
For a long time, my father taught me to be strong and to take care of my family. He had a way of teaching me about life and work without making it seem like a lesson. He was my mentor and role model.
''Today, he has left me with a legacy to continue and I will do everything I can to carry on his big vision and dreams.
'My family and I would like to thank each and every one of you for your sincecere kindness and good intentions during the most difficult time for us.
'I miss you dad, with all my heart.
'Top Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha'.
freedong
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Top won't go far wrong if he follows in his Dad's footsteps. He's had the best teacher & mentor any man could wish to emulate. LCFC will support him all the way as will the fans & people of Leicester. We have a lot to thank his Dad for.
crossover
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I do hope he continues OUR DREAM. He will always be remembered.
blossomaea
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He had the eyes and the face of a very kind man. This is so sad
Rosemake
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Very sad for your family no words can say how devastated we all feel for you
princesss
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Top and the whole family have everyone at LCFC behind them, the whole of the city and seemingly the whole of the football world. Seeing the huge number of kind messages of support from fans of other clubs has been refreshing, huge respect to all.
kmplayer
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Aww poor bloke, he's not going to get over this, I feel sorry for him, he's just been hit with one of life's worst scenarios.
missionon
1
I lost my dad at 22. I'm 34 now and there isn't a day that goes by I don't miss him. My thoughts to his 4 children and his wife. As well as the families or the other 4 victims.
Armstrongrno
1
I'm LFC FAN, but was very sorry for this tragic acc. RIP. YNWA Leicester City F.C.
Marryhoward
0
Top your dad will be looking down on you and be so proud of you. Your a fine young man.
JAMESRMA10
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Good luck to him. He is doing a wonderful thing...From a Liverpool supporter.
huangover
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I don't know anything about football or about this owner, but no one could miss how he was held in such high esteem by the people of Leicester and the football club - I am sure how people have reacted to this will give some comfort to the family in the future, he must have been a lovely man.
quaooma
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He seems like he was a genuinely good human being. I am sad you are no longer here
professorou
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LCFC you lost a diamond, may he RIP. All the premiership fans are with you.
vamosl
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Considering I never knew anything about this man.i have to say from what I've seen and heard he sounded like a remarkable man. Who raised a lovely son
Padhraics
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RIP Vichai - thank you for the smiles, the excitement, the Premier League Trophy. Champions of England, We know what We are!! We got to sing this, because of you. When you're smilin', when you're smilin' The whole world smiles with you When you're laughin', oh when you're laughin' The sun comes shinin' through But when you're cryin', you bring on the rain So stop that sighin', be happy again Keep on smilin', 'cause when you're smilin' The whole world smiles with you LEICESTER!!
pOdyssey
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With all his wealth he came over as a family man who followed his promise. I'm sure Leicester will miss him badly but his family will miss him more, sad.
Angelnaby
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To carry on a father's legacy is the greatest compliment a son could ever pay his father. He would be so proud of you.......as we are too.
Luckubos
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What a lovely son....his father must have been a loving caring and teaching father to him....He will be looking down on him and be extremely proud of him
beansmin
0
Losing your father is tough! There's not much I wouldn't give to stand at a bar with mine for one more pint and listen to his crap jokes
Oxford
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He'd be so proud of you Top. You have all of our love and all of our support. Let's create a legacy together.
yukon
0
Such sincere words from a son who truly loved his father. Bless him and all his family at this most difficult and sad time.
Buffaloe
0
To Vichai's Family - Be comforted in that the world mourns a great and compassionate man. Few men can touch his honour, faith, integrity and charity. Bhuddist yes, but an example to all faiths !
Armours
0
My heart goes out to the family. So sad.
languidc
0
One of the worlds worst griefs is losing a parent, nothing can prepare you and there will be a hole in your heart forever. You'll never know the true value of a parent until they leave your life. Much love and best wishes.
Hobart
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No matter how much money you have, how many castles you own, the grieve and heartbreak over the loss of a father is the same for everybody. They seem like a genuinely tight knit family. Bless them.
oscillate
0
All the best Top the dark clouds will pass with time
billiong
0
The greatest gift a man can leave his children is a legacy to continue, a clear path to always follow, and Vichai has done just that. His time in this world was fruitful and his family should be proud they had him to call father and husband.
Nichola
0
Thinking today how many clubs would be heartbroken if the owner of their club had died. Probably not many which shows how much he was regarded at Leicester city. Obviously a very kind man who was more interested in the fans happiness and the team doing well more than money in his pocket. Not many true gentlemen left like him.
Hunterron
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Wish him & the rest of the family well. Carrying on with his Dad's legacy & kindness would indeed be the best tribute in remembering his late Dad.
Galebale
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Everyone speaks kindly of him. He made dreams for thousands of supporters come true. He invested his time as well, not just a spreadsheet involvement. Heartfelt warmest sympathy for his family's loss.
iKingstonkiss
0
They should name a stand after him in due course
easyde
0
Thank you Top, you have 100% support from the people of Leicester and more
Phoesha
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Top - you will be backed 100% by every supporter
Green302
0
Still numb! I will be shouting at the top of my voice when I am back at the KP against Burnley. There will be a few tears as well. We did it in 2016, we really did! It gave hope to all fans of all the not so called 'big clubs' to do the impossible. Your father and yourself owned the club, but you both knew it belonged to the fans.
halamardi
0
Beautiful words. Your dad would be proud of you. Thoughts with all Leicester fans.
jJustin
0
Great to hear that you wish to carry on your fathers dream....He would be proud of you, and I know you will get one hundred percent backing from the people of Leicester......
Mustfer
0
A real loving son for a great man.
lover2
0
Top, your Dad would be immensely proud of you especially over the last few days. What a beautiful picture.I wish you all the best from a Utd fan.
Veravere
0
Thank you Top, your father was a great man.
royiklpuy
2
May he soul Rest In Peace.
Chris11
0
very sad news
Hopefully everything will be back to normal
Tiecilouy
0
very sad news
Diaz33011
0
Such a good lad