Image Credit: BBC
By Lee Clow
8 February 2019 | Premier League
The body that had been recovered from the wreckage of the crashed plane has been identified as the missing Emiliano Sala, police have confirmed.
Sala, 28, was travelling to Cardiff in a plane piloted by David Ibbotson, which went missing over the English Channel on 21 January, just days after he had completed a club-record transfer to the Premier League side. No wreckage of The Piper Malibu aircraft was found until last Sunday morning. Due to strong tidal conditions, it was not until late Wednesday night when the body of the Argentine footballer was recovered. The following night, Dorset Police confirmed the identification of the body being Emiliano Sala.
In a statement, the force said: "The body brought to Portland Port today, Thursday 7 February 2019, has been formally identified by HM Coroner for Dorset as that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala.”
Ever since the horrific tragedy took place, tributes have been paid to the player and pilot.
In a post on Instagram, Sala's sister Romina paid tribute, saying: "Your soul in my soul, it will shine forever thus illuminating the time of my existence. I love you, tito."
What was to be Sala’s new club, Cardiff City, issued a statement shortly after identification was confirmed saying: "We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano. He and David will forever remain in our thoughts."
Stars from the wider footballing world also paid tribute.
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger wrote: "Heartbreaking to hear the news about Emiliano Sala. Rest in peace! Thoughts go out to the family and friends of Emiliano and the pilot."
And Arsenal's Mesut Ozil tweeted: "No words to describe how sad this is. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and also to the family of the pilot."
The pilot of the aircraft, David Ibbotson, that was carrying Sala on his journey from Nantes to Cardiff is still to be found from the wreckage.
Comments