James Maddison reveals heartwarming words tragic owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha told him when he joined Leicester

JAMES MADDISON has opened his heart over the shock death of Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

The Foxes return today to the scene of the tragic helicopter crash which claimed five lives and stunned the football world just two weeks ago.

said to him after his £22million summer move from Norwich.

The midfielder - whose side confirmed they will build a statue in honour of the late owner - said: “I hadn’t been here long, we were doing a photo shoot when the chairman arrived, gave me a big hug and said, ‘My new No 10... go and score goals for me James!’.

“I thought right away, ‘I like this guy!’ Whether you had known him for four or five months or ten years, once you’d met Vichai you knew the person he was. He was such a brilliant man.”

Maddison responded to his chairman’s challenge with three goals in his first six games and was soon rewarded with his first senior England call.

5

5

Latest Leicester City news

'I FEEL LET DOWN'

Footie boss sacked for sleeping with player insists 'I’m not a criminal'

NOT VAR OFF

Ferdinand tells Jamie Vardy to play one more Prem season before Leicester exit

ENZO IN DEMAND

'English clubs monitor Leicester boss Maresca' after promotion back to Prem

VARDY PARTY

'Never change' - Footage emerges of Vardy slide tackling kid during celebration

5

Burnley are the visitors for the first home game since Srivaddhanaprabha’s death. Maddison added: “Every time I go out on the pitch now I know — like the rest of the lads — I’ll do everything in my power to make him proud.

“We are going to keep going and make the things he wanted to happen, happen.” Maddison also revealed his final conversation with the man the players dubbed ‘The Boss’, adding: “He always came to visit the players before every game and made sure he spoke to every one of us.

“Before the West Ham game he came to the physio room while I was getting treatment. He said he wanted a goal... as I hadn’t scored for three games! They turned out to be his last words to me.”

Maddison misses today’s game with a knee injury but added: “All the players are getting special commemorative shirts, with his image on it.

5

“It’s a brilliant shirt, I’ll get mine signed by all the players and framed. It’ll take pride of place in my new house.”

Leicester take on Burnley at 3pm tomorrow looking to make it two wins on the bounce following their 1-0 triumph at Cardiff last weekend.