Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater has spoken of being signed by Leicester City's late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
Srivaddhanaprabha was among the victims in Saturday's helicopter crash at the King Power stadium.
"I remember the first time I met him, the week after I signed in 2012," Drinkwater told The Times.
“He told me about his ideas for the club and his ambitions.
“I'd heard about the money he was putting in, which helped convince me to leave Manchester United for Leicester, but his ambition in person was extraordinary.
“He truly believed Leicester could do something special and that rubbed off on the players.
“Financial backing is one thing, but having an owner who truly believes in the group of players he has put together is another.
“Some of the decisions he had to make were not easy, but he always had the best interests of the club at heart.
“The best calls are often the hardest."
Drinkwater also admitted the news of the owner's death was shocking.
He added: “It's a terrible loss and hard to put into words.
“I feel for his family massively. They're a great family and seem to have similar qualities.
“I can't imagine how they're feeling right now. I'm hurting and I hadn't seen him for a year, as I left Leicester 18 months ago."