Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell tells Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha story, talks relationship

Leicester City and England international Ben Chilwell gave a fascinating interview last week. Foxes of Leicester published one article with snippets, this is the second part:

In his breakout season, Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell gives a revealing interview, featuring, amongst other things, a story of late chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s generosity. Including his closeness to the player and his teammates. Sadly, the Foxes owner died along with four other people in a helicopter disaster at the King Power Stadium grounds.

Candidly, Chilwell told the Telegraph that Khun Vichai was a jovial man and constantly in the changing room having a laugh with the squad. The bond is said to be deep in the East Midlands side. In fact, the left-back is sure he won’t experience the bonded closeness at another team. the Thai Businessman only took over the club a few years after the Milton Keynes born player joined as a 12-year-old.

In their interview article, on the subject of the late Leicester City chairman, Guardian suggest:

"“He [Chilwell] talks movingly and eloquently about Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.“Chilwell was on his way home from the stadium when Harry Maguire broke the awful news to him. “Horrible,” he says. “It wasn’t the coldest, hardest thing to come into on the Monday.”(Via: Guardian)"

In addition to opening up about that frightful day, the 21-year-old divulged a delightful story about Khun Vichai’s magnanimity to all:

"“I went away with England last month and Harry Winks told me that he heard from Son [Heung-min] that Son was in a restaurant in London and Vichai was in there as well.“At the end of Son’s meal he’s gone to play his bill and Vichai had paid for everyone in the restaurant. Things like that, stuff that he doesn’t have to do, shows the person that he was.“It’s brought us together as a family; we’re not just teammates now. We now know what Vichai’s dreams were, so it’s up to us to make them happen.”– Ben Chilwell(Via: Guardian)"

So, it is just not us loyal Foxes whom were – and still are – treated beautifully by Khun Vichai and his organisation. Premiership stars who do not even play for Leicester City are gifted and given the benevolence of care and appreciation – which means just as much as presents. It is very likely Son Heung-min boasted fondly of his treatment by the now passed King Power owner; hence the anecdote reaching the Fox.

Chilwell describes his club’s former owner as a ‘good guy’, stating that the the South Korean’s tale is indicative of the late chairman. Aiyawatt – or Top – Srivaddhanaprabha, Khun Vichai’s son, is expected to continue his father’s legacy in the same manner at Leicester City.

The 21-year-old also spoke of his prowess as a Northamptonshire youth cricket academy member. Incredibly, the England defender admits he was better at, and favoured, the sport over football for a time. Whereas, now finding himself the Three Lions’ first choice Left-back under manager Gareth Southgate. Some credit should certainly go to Leicester City boss Claude Puel for constantly playing the starlet – who earned himself a six-year contract in the process.

On Saturday December 8, Leicester City’s seven game unbeaten streak in all competitions came to an end at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. This season will be difficult for an obvious reason, but Puel won’t want his team to slide down the table. Crystal Palace are up next for the Foxes.