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03rd Feb 2019

The plane that was carrying Cardiff footballer Emiliano Sala has been found

Dave Hanratty

Emiliano Sala plane found

Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson have been officially missing since 22 January.

Wreckage of the plane that was carrying Premier League footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson has been found on the seabed of the English Channel, according to reports.

Sky News correspondent Tom Parmenter announced via Twitter at 9pm on Sunday night that the families of both men had been informed of the discovery.

Last Monday, debris from the missing aircraft was recovered, believed to be seat cushions from the plane’s interior.

The search for Sala and Ibbotson was restarted on Sunday after over £324,000 was raised online to fund a new private investigation.

Marine scientist David Mearns, who led the search boat, confirmed his findings on Twitter, positively identifying the Malibu Piper aircraft.

The Argentinian footballer had signed for Cardiff for a club record £15 million in the  January transfer window.

On Saturday, Cardiff paid numerous tributes to the striker before and during their 2-0 win over Bournemouth.

A moment of silent reflection was held in Sala’s honour prior to kick-off, while his name was included in the official squad.

Emiliano Sala

Fans sang his name during the 28th minute of the match – in recognition of his age – and scarves, flowers and handwritten letters were left at the home stadium for him.

Upon scoring the opening goal, Bobby Reid held aloft a t-shirt with Sala’s image.

Elsewhere, fans delivered their own individual tributes via supportive messages including a banner which read:

“We never saw you play and never saw you score, but Emiliano our beautiful Bluebird we will love you forever more.”

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