Leicester City Manager Enzo Maresca expressed heartfelt sentiments during the commemorative service held on the fifth anniversary of the tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, pilots Eric Swaffer and Izabela Lechowicz, and staff members Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare.
The accident occurred after a Premier League match against West Ham United on October 27, 2018, outside King Power Stadium.
The private service, conducted by Buddhist monks in the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Garden, was attended by Maresca, the Men’s First Team squad, and representatives from LCFC Women. The Leicester City community gathered to pay their respects and honor the incredible legacy left by Khun Vichai.
Maresca emphasized the significance of marking this anniversary and how it highlights the enduring legacy that continues to shape Leicester City, a legacy established by the beloved late Chairman. He acknowledged the rarity of such a legacy in football and expressed pride in being part of the LCFC family that Khun Vichai had built and that persists to this day.
In an emotional tribute to Khun Vichai, Kaveporn, Nusara, Eric, and Izabela, Maresca stated, “For sure, it has been an emotional morning. But at the same time, it has been nice to remember all of them.
As I said before the Sunderland game, the legacy that they show and they continue after the tragedy is very important and something that in football is not easy to find. First of all, we have to be proud of that and also we need to protect it because it’s huge and something unbelievable.”
Maresca also expressed his sense of responsibility in ensuring that the team strives to attain the extraordinary achievements witnessed under Khun Vichai’s ownership, particularly the historic Premier League title win.
He recognized the importance of bringing the club back to its rightful place and stated, “To be honest, this morning when we were there at the ceremony with people talking or watching videos, you realize how important he is to this Club and how important it is to bring this Club back to where they belong. Then we can feel better.
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