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Football

01st Nov 2018

Claude Puel says past week has been ‘one of the hardest’ in Leicester’s history in moving speech

Claude Puel made a moving speech in a press conference on Thursday afternoon, describing the past week as one of the hardest in Leicester's history

Reuben Pinder

The Leicester boss made a moving speech in a press conference on Thursday

Leicester manager Claude Puel has described the death of chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha as “one of the hardest weeks in the history of this football club”.

The club and the wider community of Leicester are grieving after Srivaddhanaprabha’s fatal helicopter crash last weekend.

Srivaddhanaprabha and four other people died in the helicopter after it crashed outside the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening after Leicester’s 1-1 draw against West Ham.

Fans went in their thousands to pay tribute to the chairman who had such a profound effect on the club’s history as well as investing in the city.

“This has been, without doubt, one of the hardest weeks in the history of the football club”, Puel said.

“The tragic loss of five lives has left us all numb with sadness and shock,” he continued.

“Our prayers and love remain with Vichai’s family and all the families who have lost loved ones.

“Vichai made Leicester City into what it is. He made it a family. He made it dream. He invested in the club, he invested in the city and the people.

“He truly was loved by everyone inside and outside the club. Personally, it was a privilege to work for him and I will cherish the belief that he showed in me and the great moments we shared.