A devastated Kasper Schmeichel led the tributes to the man who "changed football forever" after the tragic death of Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
The 60-year-old Thai billionaire was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening.
Denmark international Schmeichel, who was reported to have witnessed the accident, thanked Srivaddhanaprabha for making his football dreams come true in an emotional post on his Instagram account.
"Vichai was one of the best people you could wish to meet. Making you happy made him happy, he was always smiling and laughing.
"What he did not just for this football club but for Leicester as a city is incredible! He has brought us all together. So now we must stay together as a city and achieve what he knew we could."
Jamie Vardy – whose meteoric rise through the leagues was matched step-by-step by the club as they came from nowhere to win the Premier League in 2016 – called Srivaddhanaprabha a "legend".
He said on Instagram: "Struggling to find the right words, but to me you are a legend, an incredible man who had the biggest heart, the soul of Leicester City Football Club. Thank you for everything you did for me, my family and our club. I will truly miss you, may you rest in peace."
FA President, HRH the Duke of Cambridge, said in a statement: "My thoughts today are with the family and friends of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and all the victims of the terrible crash at Leicester City Football Club.
"I was lucky to have known Vichai for several years. He was a businessman of strong values who was dedicated to his family and who supported a number of important charitable causes.
"He made such a big contribution to football, not least through Leicester City's magical 2016 season that captured the imagination of the world.
"He will be missed by all fans of the sport and everyone lucky enough to have known him."
Former Leicester player Alan Birchenall, now a club ambassador, revealed Srivaddhanaprabha, who donated millions to local charities, had proved a staunch ally to him after he suffered a heart attack.
Birchenall told Sky Sports News: "What this club gave back to me through Khun Vichai is unbelievable. In fact, when I was out of action, the club sent me a cleaner to come and clean my little hovel, and she's still doing it today 18 months on!
"That's Khun Vichai. He knew and he said, 'You've still got that cleaner, Birchy. She was only supposed to be with you until you got on your feet again!'. But that was him."
Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore, who handed Srivaddhanaprabha that most unlikeliest of trophies two years ago, said: "Vichai was a gentleman who graced the game with his civility and charm and we will miss him enormously.
"His impact on Leicester – the football club and city – will be remembered forever."
