Cardiff in shock with new boy Sala feared dead in plane crash as Nantes stars look upset leaving training while search and rescue continues
NANTES players leave training looking upset over missing former team-mate Emiliano Sala as Cardiff tell of their shock after the plane he was flying in disappeared.
Rescuers expect "no survivors" to be found after the Piper Malibu private aircraft lost contact at 8.30pm last night near Alderney.
Sala, 28, the Bluebirds' record signing at £15million, is feared dead.
Nantes stars looked overcome with shock as they left the club's training ground having waited most of the day for updates.
Cardiff also released an official statement as the search mission continued by the Channel Islands.
Bluebirds CEO Ken Choo said: "We were very shocked upon hearing the news that the plane had gone missing.
"We expected Emiliano to arrive last night into Cardiff and today was due to be his first day with the team. Our owner, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, and chairman, Mehmet Dalman, are all very distressed about the situation.
"We made the decision first thing this morning to call off training with the thoughts of the squad, management staff and the entire Club with Emiliano and the pilot.
"All of us at Cardiff City FC would like to thank our fans, and the entire footballing family for their support at this difficult time. We continue to pray for positive news.";
A tweet from Nantes' official account read: "The management and the whole Club are hopeful and it is the whole family of FC Nantes who prays that @EmilianoSala1 and the other passengers of the plane are finally found safe and sound. #PrayForSala."
Nantes supporters groups have called for a gathering in Nantes city centre at Place Royale at 6.30pm this evening, with players expected to attend.
Images showed lifeboats searching the waters north of Alderney in a desperate attempt to find any signs relating to the aircraft.
Argentina-born Sala was hailed as a "polite, kind and adorably boy" in a touching tribute by Nantes president Waldemar Kita.
And the 65-year-old expressed hope his former player can still be found.
He told CNEWS: "I think that he came back because he wanted to say goodbye to his friends.
"He was a polite, kind and adorable boy, loved by everyone.
"He was very respectful, very courteous. I am thinking about his family and all his friends. For the rest, we don't know yet.
"I am still hoping that it is not finished, that he is somewhere, that he will be there.
"I have just found out about this like you have. I was not even aware that he was at Nantes. He is no longer owned by Nantes, he does what he wants.
"And I say that because I am still hopeful that we will find him."