Body identified as Emiliano Sala’s body has been found in plane wreckage beneath the sea bed after two weeks of relentless search. The search theme made up of private searchers organized by the decease family and the effort of the local police. The footballing world has continued paid tribute to Emiliano Sala family after his body was identified in the wreckage of a plane which crashed in the English Channel.
Cardiff striker Sala, 28, and pilot David Ibbotson, who remains missing, were on board the plane which lost contact with Air Traffic Control on Monday, January 21.
Sala, who had completed his £15m move to Cardiff two days earlier, was travelling to the Welsh capital after bidding farewell to his team-mates in Nantes, where he had previously played.
The wreckage of the plane was located 21 miles off the coast of Guernsey and, after the body was recovered, it was taken to Portland Port in Dorset, where HM Coroner carried out the identification.
In the wake of his death, the sporting world has paid tribute to the 28-year-old.
Cardiff released a statement offering their “most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano.”
Nantes president Waldemar Kita has said the club will retire Sala’s No 9 shirt.
In a statement, he said: “I do not have the words, it’s a tragedy, I’m devastated, Emiliano left his mark, which is why, like many fans, I want to honour him again by removing the number 9 “.
FIFA also released a statement, which read: “FIFA and the whole football community are deeply saddened about the death of Emiliano Sala.
“FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino would like to extend their sincerest condolences to his friends and family. Our thoughts are also with the family of pilot David Ibbotson.”
Sergio Aguero led the tributes from players with a message for his fellow Argentine.
The Manchester City striker said: “Rest in peace, Emiliano. My condolences to his friends and family.”
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney and Mesut Ozil also shared kind words of support for Sala’s family.
Sala’s sister Romina also posted a moving tribute to her brother on Instagram, writing: “Your soul in my soul will shine forever, thus illuminating the time of my existence. I love you, tito.”
