FC Nantes have released the following statement on their official website on Friday, confirming that the club will retire the number nine shirt worn by Emiliano Sala.
"FC Nantes had the immense sadness to learn this Thursday that the body found was that of Emiliano Sala. This news puts an end to an endless and unsustainable waiting. Emiliano will forever be part of the legends that have written the great story of FC Nantes." it read.
"There are difficult mornings, nightmarish awakenings where unfortunately reality catches up with us. Emi 'went away ...
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"Arrived on the banks of the Edre in July 2015, Emiliano Sala has won the hearts of supporters in Nantes. Through his work, his anger and limitless kindness, he finished top scorer in the Yellow House for the last three seasons.
"The national and international tributes that were returned to him are up to the person and the player he was. We are losing today a friend, a talented player, an exemplary teammate.
"We do not forget in this drama the pilot and his family and trust the authorities to continue the research.
"For Waldemar Kita, President of FC Nantes: "I do not have the words, it's a tragedy, I'm devastated, Emiliano left his mark, which is why, like many fans, I want to honor him again by removing the number 9 ".
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"FC Nantes, its leaders, staff, players and staff present the families of Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson and their families their deepest condolences. We will never forget you Emi.
"It's an Argentinian who does not let anything, Emiliano Sala, Emiliano Sala ..."
The HM Coroner for Dorset confirmed last night that the missing body recovered from the plane is Emiliano Sala.
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Dorset Police released a statement on their website and identified the body as the missing footballer's.
"The body brought to Portland Port today, Thursday 7th February 2019, has been formally identified by HM Coroner for Dorset as that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala," Dorset Police said.
"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.
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"HM Coroner will continue to investigate the circumstances of this death supported by Dorset Police.
"On Monday 21st 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.
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"Using specialist equipment, the teams succeeded in locating and identifying the plane and recovering Mr Sala's body."
The 28-year-old Argentine forward was travelling on the aircraft with pilot David Ibbotson when it went missing over the Channel Islands last month.
SPORTbible would like to send out its condolences to the families and friends of Mr Sala and Mr Ibbotson during this difficult time
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