Footballers And Footballing Figures Unite In Sending Heartfelt Tributes To Emiliano Sala

The footballing world is in mourning after the body of missing footballer Emiliano Sala was recovered from the plane wreckage and identified on Thursday.

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.

While the 59-year-old pilot's future remains uncertain -- and we pray that he is found safe and well -- their disappearance has sent shockwaves throughout the footballing world.

Dorset Police and the HM Coroner for Dorset confirmed that it was the former Nantes star's body that had been recovered.

Sala's new club, Cardiff City, who he signed for in the January transfer window, took to Twitter to release a heartfelt statement on the player and the pilot.

"We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano. He and David will forever remain in our thoughts," the club said.

The Premier League side ended their statement with '#CityAsOne,' but they are not alone in this mourning.

The footballing world has taken to social media to share their own messages after the tragic news broke.

RIP, Sala.

SPORTbible would like to send out its condolences to the families and friends of Mr Sala and Mr Ibbotson during this difficult time.

Featured Image Credit: PA/Kylian Mbappé

Topics: Football News, David Ibbotson, Football, Emiliano Sala, Ligue 1, Premier League, Kylian Mbappe, Cardiff City

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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