Claudio Ranieri’s testimonial to Leicester City’s late chairman

Together at Leicester City, they achieved the incredible dream. Following chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s tragic passing, Premier League champion manager, Claudio Ranieri, visited the King Power Stadium to pay his respects to his former boss.

In five days of testimonials to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, another person dear to the hearts of Leicester City fans also paid his respects at the King Power Stadium. Claudio Ranieri won the Premier League as Foxes manager under the boss, Srivaddhanaprabha. They always seemingly had a very close and friendly relationship while working together.

Currently, the 67-year-old is relaxing; but was in charge of Nantes most recently, having left after the 2017/18 season. However, Don Ranieri, he was known as by some of the Blue Army, spoke of his desire to coach once more at some stage. It is great to see him at Leicester City again; although, the circumstance could not be much worse.

All details of this week’s phenomenal outpouring of respect is available at lcfc.com, or at foxesofleicester.com. Below, BBC Sport show more poignant images of Ranieri with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha – vice-chairman of Leicester City – assumed to take control as owner following his father’s horrendous demise.

Ranieri took charge of Leicester City in the summer of 2015, taking over from Nigel Pearson. Pearson left by mutual consent; yet, Ranieri inherits a talented squad, whom just completed the Premier League great escape. In addition, N’golo Kante, Shinji Okazaki and Christian Fuchs were shrewdly added to the roster.

Thus creating a team system the masterful Italian man-manager managed to motivate, and contrary to previous experiences, resisted tinkering with. That said, it takes nothing away from Ranieri – another manager may have failed to guide the Foxes to the title.

Humility, humour and likeability were aspects of the former gaffer’s beloved time on Filbert Way. Upon leaving due to poor results in the second season, he departed on good terms with Khun Vichai.

In regards to the dearly departed owner, the Roman said:

"“I was terribly shaken by the news.“He was a good man and always had a positive word for everyone. His positivity and ability to make everybody love him was clear for all to see. He came into the dressing room only to dispense kind words, never to reproach you.“One time soon after my birthday, he arrived in the dressing room with a huge cake and made everyone sing ‘Happy Birthday.’“He was an illuminated man and everything he touched became better.“Now it’s up to his son, who has always been in love with football, to carry on in his father’s footsteps.“I remember when we first met that I immediately thought he was a positive person, full of energy. My objective when I arrived at Leicester was to secure Premier League safety, then we all know what happened.“Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha made a very important contribution to the Premier League victory, as he’d arrive 30 minutes before the game to embrace everyone. He never said a word out of turn, was always happy with a smile on his face.“I am so sad right now, I want to join the family in their grief.”– Claudio RanieriVia: Sky Sports Italia"

Clearly, Ranieri concurs with the general consensus that Top – or Aiyawatt – should become the new shot caller. His Dad would have wanted him continuing the legacy and vision. Top stated he also shares this desire. In addition, the former Foxes chief confirms the sentiment of Mr Srivaddhanaprabha as generous, congenial and happy.

Leicester City play Cardiff City in the league, Saturday. It will be an emotional day, the Bluebirds will pay homage respectfully. Expect the Blue Army to sing their hearts out, and the team to give all their might for a win – in the name of their fearless Fox leader, the boss.