Emiliano Sala confirmed dead, tributes pour in

Argentine forward Emiliano Sala is dead. Sala’s body was found in the wreckage of an aircraft that had been reported missing on January 21 with two people on board.

The body of pilot David Ibbotson is yet to be recovered and a police statement issued on Thursday 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.

Thousands poured tributes for the striker who had just completed his switch to Cardiff City from French side Nantes prior to his demise.

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil took to Twitter to condole with the family saying: “No words to describe how sad this is. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and also to the family of the pilot.”

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero also mourned the loss of his countryman saying: “Terribly sad Rest in peace, Emiliano. My condolences to his friends and family.”

Luke Shaw: " This is truly sad news, rest in peace Emiliano Sala.

Alexander Lacazette: "RIP Sala."

Sala excelled for Nantes in the 2018/2019 season, scoring 12 goals in 19 matches. This prompted Cardiff City to break the bank for him and make him their most expensive player but he never got the chance to meet his new teammates.

Cardiff FC issued an official statement on Friday morning saying: “We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano.

“He and David will forever remain in our thoughts.”