Thai owners aim to keep the victors together

The Thai owners of English Premier League (EPL) champions Leicester City aim to keep the victorious squad together, despite expectations that many players will be lured away by lucrative offers from richer clubs.

Speaking on Thai television, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, son of club chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, said: “We are not selling anyone. We are not a team who produces players to be developed later by other teams.

“All players want to stay and keep on fighting together to see how far they can go in the Champions League.”

Leicester stars such as Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante, Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel are expected to attract big-money offers from rival clubs. However, the revenue from competing in next season’s Champions League will help Leicester’s bid to retain them.

Aiyawatt said that when his father Vichai — head of duty free company King Power — invested in the club six years ago, winning the title “was not what we dared to dream”.

“He was already proud of being the owner of an EPL team. Now he is owner of the EPL champions — he can’t be prouder,” said Aiyawatt of his father.

“I have to say on his behalf that he has managed the club with his heart and he just hopes to gain a reputation for the country.”

He added there are plans to bring the Leicester City team out to Thailand for a visit during the off-season.

“They are coming to Thailand very, very soon,” said Aiyawatt. AP