Emiliano Sala confirmed dead: Police say body recovered from wreckage of plane IS that of the footba
The devastated sister of footballer Emiliano Sala said his 'soul will shine forever' after it was confirmed he died in a plane crash in the English Channel.
Police announced last night that a body recovered from the light aircraft wreckage on the seabed off the coast of France is that of the Argentinean striker, Daily Mail reported.
Following the announcement, Sala's sister Romina posted a picture of him on Instagram, with the poignant message: 'Your soul in my soul, it will shine forever, illuminating my existence. I love you, Tito.'
The family later released a statement saying: 'We can now begin to mourn our son and our brother.'
The Sala family and relatives of pilot David Ibbotson had been nervously awaiting news after just one body was pulled from the crashed Piper Malibu plane on Wednesday.
After it was confirmed the body was that of Mr Sala this morning, an expert said he fears Mr Ibbotson's remains may never be recovered.
The sister of Emiliano Sala posted this picture of the footballer on Instagram last night after it was confirmed his body has been recovered from the wreckage of an air crash at sea. The photo shows him on the pitch at Nantes, the French club he was leaving to join Cardiff City
She wrote this message on the social network shortly after the announcement was made
Flowers and tributes have been laid for Emiliano Sala at FC Nantes Stadium in western France
Stars of world football posted tributes to Sala online in the wake of the announcement.
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Diego Maradona posted a tribute on Instagram. He told how many had kept a 'light of hope' for the footballer, adding: 'I send a big hug to your family and friends'.
Fellow Argentine, Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, added: 'Terribly sad. Rest in peace, Emiliano. My condolences to his friends and family.'
Emiliano Sala's sister posted an image of her brother with his mother before the news was given officially by police
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil said: 'No words to describe how sad this is.Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and also to the family of the pilot.'
Wayne Rooney added his voice to the many tributes, tweeting a black and white picture of Sala with the message: 'Rest in peace. Thoughts are with friends and family.'
Cardiff released a statement on their website which read: 'We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano. He and David will forever remain in our thoughts.'
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Pilot David Ibbotson and his wife, Nora Ibbotson. The frequent flyer went missing with his plane on January 21
Via Daily Mail