LONDON • Footballer Emiliano Sala's family were left to grieve yesterday after British authorities formally identified the Argentinian's body as the one recovered from the submerged wreckage of a plane that went down in the English Channel more than two weeks ago.
"We can now begin to mourn our son and our brother," the 28-year-old Cardiff City striker's family said in a statement.
"We would like to thank you for all of your signs of affection and support in the most painful time of our life. To see everyone doing everything possible to join us in the search has been precious help to us."
The Premier League player's former French club, Nantes, said it was withdrawing the jersey with Sala's number 9 on it and all Ligue One and Two matches in France this weekend will be preceded by a minute of applause for him.
The light aircraft was carrying the £15 million (S$26.3 million) club-record signing from Nantes to Cardiff when it disappeared near the island of Guernsey, along with 59-year-old pilot David Ibbotson, whose body has not been found.
Sala's disappearance had sparked an outpouring of grief and a flood of cash to support a private hunt for the plane when the official search was initially called off on Jan 24.
Sala's body was first spotted by British rescuers using a remotely operated underwater vehicle on Sunday, close to where the plane vanished from radar on Jan 21.
Investigators recovered the body on Wednesday but said they were abandoning plans to lift the plane wreck out of the water because of bad weather. However, British police said that an investigation into the circumstances of his death was continuing.
"I am very sorry about this sad news. Many of us kept a glimmer of hope for you, Emiliano," Argentina legend Diego Maradona said on Instagram. "What sadness, this is the worst news. Rest in peace warrior," tweeted retired Argentinian football star Gabriel Batistuta.
Argentina President Mauricio Macri also offered his condolences to Sala's family, saying: "We are with you."
There was also an outpouring of grief from fellow players. Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan and Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain had been among the 4,829 people who contributed to a crowdfunding campaign which paved the way for the private search.
Your soul in my soul will shine forever, thus illuminating the time of my existence.
I love you.
ROMINA SALA, Emiliano Sala's sister, in a moving tribute to her brother posted on Instagram.
Gundogan tweeted "may he rest in peace", while Mbappe simply tweeted "RIP Emi". Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil tweeted there were "no words to describe how sad this is".
Sala's sister Romina, who confirmed her family would be adopting Nala, the player's beloved dog, took to Instagram, posting a moving tribute to her brother.
She wrote in Spanish: "Your soul in my soul will shine forever, thus illuminating the time of my existence. I love you."
Cardiff manager Neil Warnock yesterday said that he believed Sala would have thrived in the Premier League, saying: "He was a type of player that would score 10 or 15 for me at the top level every year. But, not just that, he would work hard as a team player.
"He was at the prime, I felt, and he knew he had things to prove."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
GOODBYE, BROTHER
If Moyes does not add at least an attacking and a defensive midfielder to his squad this summer United will remain well short of rivals at home and abroad. Misfit Nani is unlikely to repeat last summer's about-face and remain at Old Trafford - Italy or Spain beckon for the 27-year-old winger. Meanwhile, few supporters will shed a tear if
PSG's first goal, the one that led to such a fractious reception thereafter, was created by Di Maria. It was from his corner on the right side, which he swung in with his left foot, that PSG profited.
Leicester Welcome Rodgers With Win, Newcastle End Burnley Run. League round of 32 second leg football match between Valencia CF and Celtic at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on February 21
Leicester welcome Rodgers with win, Newcastle end Burnley run
A cautious Unai Emery refused to get carried away despite Paris Saint-Germain's stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League. The French champions hammered Barca in the last-16 first
Klopp denies Liverpool's lighter schedule is title advantage Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp denied on Friday that his Premier League leaders will have the upper hand over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the title race despite a lighter schedule after crashing out of both domestic cup competitions.
Klopp denies Liverpool's lighter schedule is title advantage
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes critics have been too quick to write off his side's chances of defending the Premier League crown,
Guardiola predicts roller-coaster title run-in after
LONDON: Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has warned Maurizio Sarri he must be given a more important role next season if the Blues boss wants him to stay at Stamford Bridge. Giroud has been largely
France star demands 'more important' role with Chelsea
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu was naturally disappointed that his side missed out on a winning a fifth Asian Cup title on Friday but believes the improvement of the squad augurs well for the future. The Samurai Blue went into the final as warm favorites to clinch the continental crown but…
Japan coach disappointed but pleased with progress at Asian Cup
Yorke was born on 7 October 1968 in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. He was born with a paralysed left eye, and underwent five eye operations by age six. According to Yorke, the last surgery was "botched", giving him a drooping eyelid. His family moved frequently.
Premier League leaders Manchester City recovered from two goals down to beat Championship side Swansea City 3-2 at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday to progress to the FA Cup semi-finals.Having secured a last-eight spot in the Champions League to go with their League Cup title, City
Soccer-Man City come from two goals down to reach FA Cup last
Valencia coach Marcelino insists the pressure will be on Arsenal when his side take on the Gunners in the Europa League semi-finals.. Toni Lato and Dani Parejo were on target for Los Che as they
Arsenal vs Valencia: Marcelino predicts winner of Europa
Crystal Palace all but banished any lingering relegation fears as captain Luka Milivojevic fired home a late penalty to secure a 1-0 Premier League victory at Newcastle on Saturday.
Football: Milivojevic penalty seals Palace win at Newcastle
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen