The police have identified the body that was recovered from a plane that crashed in the English Channel as that of Emiliano Sala.
The aircraft, which was piloted by David Ibbotson went missing on January, 21, 2019, while on a route from Nantes to Cardiff.
The body of the Cardiff player was recovered on Wednesday after the wreckage was found late Sunday.
The operation was boosted by an on line appeal that was started by the Argentinian’s agent, who raised 371,000 euros to facilitate a private search by marine scientist David Mearns.
However, Dorset police identified the body yesterday amidst the poor weather condition.
The police said in a statement, “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.
“The families of Mr. Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson have been updated with this news and will continue to be supported by specially-trained family liaison officers.”
The plane carrying the two men was found in the sea off the channel island and investigators quickly identified their bodies inside the wrecked aircraft.
The Air Accident Investigations Branch (AIIB) confirmed that the operation had been done ‘’as dignified a way as possible’’ and the two men’s families were always updated.
Cardiff City, shortly after body identification, wrote in a statement, ‘’ we offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano. He and David will forever remain in our thoughts.” They also commented on twitter.
Club Statement (07/02/19): https://t.co/ib8zJfWzvC
Forever in our thoughts 💙
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) February 7, 2019
Many condolences have also been sent to the family of the late Argentinian from football stars and fans across the world.
Mesut Ozil wrote: ”No words to describe how sad this is. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and also to the family of the pilot.”
Comfortably the best tribute I've seen for Emiliano Sala. Shows how much work he put into getting to where he was in football and just how happy it made him. Closure at last. #RIPSala pic.twitter.com/ZnQX3VVxcp
— Tom Sleeman (@TomSleeman11) February 8, 2019
Sala had been signed by Cardiff city from FC Nantes. He was flying back to south Whales from France, where he had gone to say goodbye to friends and former teammates.