At times like these, it’s hard to know what to write. This is meant to be a straightforward preview about teams and players but it doesn’t seem right to do that. The events that took place at the King Power Stadium last Saturday still weigh heavy on the minds of everyone involved in football and I have incredible admiration for Leicester City as a football club as they try and get back to normality at the CCS on Saturday.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was Leicester City’s heartbeat. That much has become evident over the past week. He was an incredible chairman who understood what made Leicester City tick as a football club but also as a city. He took control of Leicester the August after we beat them in the playoffs and has since led them on a whirlwind journey that took them to the highest highs.
As a football fan, watching Leicester win the league will remain as one of my favourite moments in my lifetime of watching football. The way they swept through that season, conquering all that came their way, was a joy to watch and the celebrations brought a tear to the eye. And Vichai made that possible.
Watching the Leicester players outpouring of emotion for the The Boss has told it’s own story. Watching people like Kasper Schmeichel completely bereft with grief has been heartbreaking to watch. Then hearing his stories of philanthropy and community outreach brought home just what he was all about. He was a chairman in his own league and the world will be poorer without him.
Football pales into insignificance in moments like these. Sure, there’s relegation and European places to fight for, but what does it matter really? Football is about your place in the world and Vichai found his at Leicester and they embraced him with open arms. He may be gone but I know Leicester will keep him at the heart of everything they do. He has transformed Leicester and led them to the promised land.
As a club, I know Cardiff fans will stand with their Leicester counterparts. Football is united at times like these and I know our fans will be respectful on Saturday. The Supporters Club is planning a tribute and I hope our fans raise our scarves when Leicester do. Because that’s what it’s about on Saturday. It’s showing that we are with them.
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