Leicester City boss Claude Puel has reflected on the grief experienced throughout the club following the tragic death of club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

To start Thursday's pre-match press conference, Puel read a penned tribute to his late boss and the pride he felt in being allowed to manage the club he had built.

The Frenchman, speaking with a voice filled with emotion, said: “This has been without doubt one of the hardest weeks in the history of this football club.

“The tragic loss of five lives has left us all numb and in shock.

“Our prayers and love remain with Vichai's family and all the other families who have lost loved ones.

“Vichai made Leicester City into what it is today. He made it a family. He invested into the club, he invested in the city and he invested in the people. He was truly loved by everyone inside and outside the club.

“Personally, it was a privilege to work for him. I will cherish the belief he showed in me and the great moments we shared.

“Seeing all of the messages, flowers and shirts outside the stadium this week shows the amount of lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered forever and a vision that the club and myself, as manager, will take forward.

“I, myself, have never been prouder to be manager for this football club. In such difficult circumstances, the togetherness shown by the whole club has shown what a special club this is.

“Playing football has not been at the front of our minds this week, but for this weekend and all matches thereafter we will play to honour and remember a man who did so much for our club.

“We will continue the Leicester City he built."