2:16 Riyad Mahrez paid tribute to Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Riyad Mahrez paid tribute to Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

Riyad Mahrez paid an emotional tribute to Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha after scoring the winner for Manchester City against Tottenham on Monday.

Srivaddhanaprabha was killed in a helicopter crash on Saturday evening along with four other people.

Mahrez was signed by Leicester in 2014 and was a key player as they won the Premier League title in 2015/16.

Tottenham 0-1 Man City

Leicester players pay respects

Speaking after scoring for Manchester City against Tottenham, Mahrez told Sky Sports: "It's been very difficult for me. The boss [Srivaddhanaprabha] was very special to me.

"I spent four and a half years there and have many memories with him. He was such a good person and such a good human so I am very, very sad, that's why today when I scored I put my hands in the sky for him because he did a lot for me and for Leicester.

2:28 The family of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha were consoled by Leicester City's players after laying a wreath on the pitch at the King Power Stadium The family of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha were consoled by Leicester City's players after laying a wreath on the pitch at the King Power Stadium

"It's difficult to speak about it because it's very sad.

"He was like a dad for us. He was very special. He was such a good person, with a very big heart and it was heartbreaking and shocking for me to hear the news, of course with all the other people who died.

"It's a difficult situation and I am with Leicester and the families of the victims."

Asked when he decided he was going to play against Tottenham, Mahrez said: "I always wanted to play. I know he would have wanted me to play.

"He was very passionate about football. It was difficult. I kept thinking about him. It was difficult to sleep."