The body found in the plane wreckage in the English Channel is that of Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala, police have confirmed.
On Wednesday, it emerged an unidentified body – now known to be Sala – was brought off ship, Geo Ocean III, on a stretcher and transferred to a private ambulance before being taken to Dorset Police and the local coroner.
The plane was flying from Nantes, France, the home of Sala’s former team, to Cardiff on January 21, when it crashed into the sea with the new £15million signing and pilot David Ibbotson inside.
A statement from Dorset Police, released on Thursday night, read: ‘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. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.
HM Coroner will continue to investigate the circumstances of this death supported by Dorset Police.
‘On Monday 21 January 2019 a plane carrying both men was flying from Nantes to Cardiff when it lost contact with Air Traffic Control, north of Guernsey.
‘Sadly a search and rescue operation was unsuccessful in locating the plane and the two occupants.
‘Subsequently AAIB and privately funded search teams were deployed to the relevant area. Using specialist equipment the teams succeeded in locating and identifying the plane and recovering Mr Sala’s body.’
Shortly after, Cardiff released a statement on their website which read: ‘We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano. He and David will forever remain in our thoughts.’
Sala’s sister Romina posted a picture stood on the pitch at Nantes, arms out either side as he looked up to the sky.
Her emotional tribute to her brother said: Your soul in my soul will shine forever, illuminating the time of my existence. I love you’.
Earlier on Thursday Romina revealed she had adopted her brother’s dog Nala.
Emiliano Sala appreciation tweet,his last goal for FC Nantes,RIP 😢 pic.twitter.com/SJh01DX3DA
— Pye Waw (@pyewaw) February 8, 2019
Tributes quickly poured in for Sala on social media with Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil writing: ‘No words to describe how sad this is.
‘Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and also to the family of the pilot.’
Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren posted a heartfelt message on Instagram saying: ‘I prayed every day because hope is the last. This is a great deal to accept.
‘I can not even imagine how difficult it is for you [Sala’s family]. We are all with you!’
Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero said: ‘Terribly sad. Rest in peace, Emiliano. My condolences to his friends and family.’
This tribute video of Emiliano Sala may just bring tears to your eyes.😔😓pic.twitter.com/H4M9VsfSol
— Nyandarua's Finest (@IamSamiSamuel) February 8, 2019
Families of the Argentine striker and pilot Ibbotson had been anxiously awaiting news over whose body was pulled from the crashed Piper Malibu plane as they seek answers over the tragedy last month.
The body was recovered from the aircraft wreckage using ROVs (remotely-operated vehicles) to pull it from the water in ‘as dignified a way as possible’.
The red and white vessel carrying the body docked at Portland, Dorset, at around 9:15am on Thursday morning.