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