Tributes stream in after body from plane wreckage identified as footballer Sala
Emiliano Sala's sister led tributes to her brother as Mesut Ozil, Dejan Lovren and Kylian Mbappe all penned heartfelt messages for Cardiff City striker Sala.
The Cardiff striker's body was found in the plane wreckage in the English Channel, police have confirmed.
On Wednesday, it emerged an unidentified body - now known to be Sala - was brought off ship, Geo Ocean III, on a stretcher and transferred to a private ambulance before being taken to Dorset Police and the local coroner.
The plane was flying from Nantes, France, the home of Sala's former team, to Cardiff on January 21, when it crashed into the sea with the new £15million signing and pilot David Ibbotson inside.
Sala's sister Romina posted a picture stood on the pitch at Nantes, arms out either side as he looked up to the sky.
Her emotional tribute to her brother said: Your soul in my soul will shine forever, illuminating the time of my existence. I love you'.
Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren posted a heartfelt message on Instagram saying: 'I prayed every day because hope is the last. This is a great deal to accept.
'I can not even imagine how difficult it is for you [Sala's family]. We are all with you!'
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.'
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.'
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger said: 'Heartbreaking to hear the news about Emiliano Sala. Rest in peace!
'Thoughts go out to the family and friends of Emiliano and the pilot.'
Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero added: 'Terribly sad. Rest in peace, Emiliano. My condolences to his friends and family.
Mbappe, Antonio Valencia and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all posted 'RIP' on social media in tribute to Sala.
Families of the Argentine striker and pilot David Ibbotson had been anxiously awaiting news over whose body was pulled from the crashed Piper Malibu plane as they seek answers over the tragedy last month.
-Dailymail