Body identified from wreckage as Emiliano Sala

Police have confirmed a body discovered from the wreckage of a crashed place as that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala.

Cardiff City’s record signing went missing on 21 January when the aircraft carrying the Argentinian lost contact with Air Traffic Control over the English Channel.

The 28-year-old was travelling to the Welsh capital in a plane piloted by David Ibbotson.

The Argentine’s body was recovered late on Wednesday after the wreckage was found on Sunday morning following a private search.

Dorset Police confirmed the identification of the body on Thursday evening.

In a statement, the force said:

“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.”

The Piper Malibu N264DB was travelling from France to Cardiff after the talented striker made a trip back to his former club Nantes two days after his £15m transfer to Cardiff was announced.

Cardiff City issued a statement shortly after identification was confirmed saying:

“We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano. He and David will forever remain in our thoughts.”