Emiliano Sala dies: Diego Maradona and Mesut Ozil among the footballer saluting the Cardiff City striker

Diego Maradona, Mesut Ozil and a number of players from the city of Cardiff were among those who paid tribute to Emiliano Sala on Thursday night after the footballer's body was identified as the one found in the wreckage. a plane in the Channel.

A plane carrying Sala and 60 – year – old pilot David Ibbotson were reported missing after crashing in the Channel just north of Guernsey on Monday, 21 January. Searches made it possible to locate the wreck at the beginning of the week. A body found Wednesday night was officially identified as the footballer missing Thursday night.

The news has sparked a wave of emotional tribute on social media, with several footballers past and present posting messages of condolence.

Sala, 28, had only completed the details of his transfer to the city of Cardiff – for a club record of £ 15 million since FC Nantes in France – two days before the accident .

Cardiff said in a statement: "We offer our most sincere condolences and condolences to Emiliano's family.

"He and David will forever be in our thoughts."

Although they did not have the chance to play for Cardiff, many of his new teammates shared their sadness at the news of his death.

Joe Bennett simply said: "RIP Emiliano", along with several emojis of the heart, while Sol Bamba called the news "tragic".

Oumar Nibade tweeted: "RIP @ EmilianoSala1 Forever in our thoughts".

Diego Maradona, who was among those who called on the authorities not to abandon the search for the footballer, published a tribute on Instagram.

He recounted that many had kept a "light of hope" for the footballer, adding: "I send a big hug to your family and friends".

Sergio Aguero, an Argentinian from Manchester City, tweeted: "Rest in peace, Emiliano, My condolences to his friends and family, #PrayForSala".

The light aircraft was flown by David Ibbotson, who was not found.

Arsenal player Mesut Ozil wrote: "No words to describe how sad he is, his thoughts and prayers are with his family and the pilot's family.

Benjamin Mendy from Manchester City tweeted a picture of Sala, while Paris Saint-Germain footballer Kylian Mbappe wrote simply: "RIP EMI".

Football clubs around the world have also shared tribute messages. Barcelona tweeted "Rest in peace", while Independiente, backed by the Argentinean club Sala, issued words of solidarity for the family and friends of the player.

Argentine President Mauricio Macri – who had joined calls for the resumption of search for the plane after its cancellation – also posted a message on Twitter, sending his condolences to the family of Sala, adding: "We are with you ".

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