Heartbreaking scenes as tearful Nantes staff remove words ‘keep hope’ from Emiliano Sala tribute, with Neil Warnock confirming Cardiff will wear black armbands against Southampton
Cardiff striker's body was recovered from the English Channel yesterday after his plane crashed en route to joining the Bluebirds
NANTES staff have removed a message reading “keep hope” from outside their stadium after Emiliano Sala’s body was recovered.
The £15million Cardiff striker’s plane disappeared en route to Wales after he returned to France to say goodbye to his team-mates.
Yesterday the body which was recovered from the wreckage in the English channel thanks to a crowdfunding effort was identified as the beloved footballer, 28.
Nantes and Cardiff have honoured Sala, with fans of both clubs and the wider football community heartbroken at the tragedy.
The French outfit are planning to retire his No9 shirt, with the club promising the fan favourite will do be forgotten.
While Cardiff will wear black armbands against Southampton on Saturday, with a minute’s silence to be held at St Mary’s.
Neil Warnock confirmed: “I think we’ve got to pay our respects with the situation now coming to an end, regarding Emiliano.
“We’ll wear black armbands and have a minute’s silence. I’m sure the Southampton fans will want that as well.”
Pilot Dave Ibbotson is still missing, with efforts to locate his body hampered by poor weather.
Sala’s devastated sister Romina led the tributes last night, saying: “Your soul will shine forever”.
Team-mate Joe Bennett tweeted a crying emoji and wrote: “RIP Emiliano”, while Sol Bamba added: “Tragic… May you rest in peace.”
Nantes have demanded payment from Cardiff over the £15m deal – asking their lawyers to make contact with the Bluebirds.
The Welsh club have promised to honour the transfer fee but delayed the first instalment until they are satisfied with the documentation.
Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman told that that Nantes had sent an invoice for the initial payment, worth £5.27m.