Ex-Premier League club owner Milan Mandaric dies aged 87 as family pay emotional tribute

Former Portsmouth, Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday owner Milan Mandaric has died. Mandaric passed away in a Belgrade hopsital at the age of 87 following a short illness.

The football titan is survived by his two daughters and three grandchildren. Mandaric leaves behind a long legacy in British football and beyond, having been the custodian of some of Europe's biggest clubs.

A statement on behalf of his family said: "The family of Milan Mandaric are deeply saddened to announce his passing earlier today in a Belgrade hospital following a short illness.

"Milan will be fondly remembered as chairman and owner of Portsmouth, Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday in the UK along with a number of US and European clubs.

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"His love for football was only surpassed by that for his family; he will be sadly missed by his two daughters and three grandchildren.

"The family have asked for privacy at this sad time."

A computer component tycoon, Mandaric made his fortune in Silicon Valley before saving Portsmouth in 1999. The club were in administration but the well-liked figure paved the way for the club's march to the Premier League under Harry Redknapp.

Mandaric departed in 2006 and, in a matter of months, had completed a takeover of Leicester. The Serbian's time at the club saw the Foxes win League One under the stewardship of Nigel Pearsonin 2009, before selling the club to Vichai Srivaddhnaprabha and his son Aiyawat.

Mandaric soon purchased Sheffield Wednesday and settled the club's debts, while also being required to step down as Leicester's chairman due to Football League rules over holding the role at two different clubs. The football chief ultimately sold the Owls to the current, much-maligned owner Dejphon Chansiri.

Sheffield Wednesday paid tribute to their former custodian and said: "Everyone at Sheffield Wednesday is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former owner and chairman Milan Mandarić. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

Portsmouth said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chairman, Milan Mandarić, at the age of 87. Rest in peace, Milan."

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