Lakyle Samuel, the son of former Premier League footballer Jlloyd Samuel, has spoken about the conspiracy theories surrounding his father's death. The 37-year-old died in 2018 after a fireball car crash in which he was so badly burnt he could only be identified by his dental records.
Conspiracy Theories and Family Claims
Jlloyd Samuel, a former Aston Villa and Bolton full-back, was still playing at the time of his death. A couple of years earlier, after his career in England had dried up, he signed for Esteghlal in Iran, where he converted to Islam and took a second wife, Helia Sahimi, behind his family's back.
Helia insists the former footballer is still alive. Samuel's sister, Leslie-Ann, accuses his first wife, Emma, of faking his death to carry out insurance fraud. Now, Lakyle Samuel, Emma and Jlloyd's son, has addressed these claims.
Lakyle's Response
"I just try and block it out (conspiracies about him)," Lakyle told the Daily Mail. "It doesn't have much to do with my life. I've had my experiences with him and if other people want to say other stuff, I'm not too bothered."
He added: "I've had what I've had with him and it's not going to change my point of view on him. He gave us a really good upbringing. He's dad, innit?"
Following in His Father's Footsteps
Lakyle, also a full-back, has emerged through the Manchester City academy and is currently on loan at Exeter City while waiting for his senior debut at the Etihad. He credits Kyle Walker as an inspiration and admits the level of detail Pep Guardiola would go into was "mad".
"It raises your game because you have to be on it. I'd go and train with them quite a bit," he said. Lakyle has also represented England in the age groups.
Reflecting on his father, he said: "I wish he was still around. As I've got older, it has hit me more. It is tough because you want that support - you don't really know what to think or how to deal with things on and off the pitch."
