Body recovered from plane wreckage is Emiliano Sala
The player had been missing since the plane disappeared on Jan. 21
Pilot David Ibbotson is still missing but the search has been called off
British police have confirmed that the body found on board the airplane which went missing carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson is that of the Argentine striker.
Both Sala and Ibbotson's families have been informed of the latest developments after the body was identified by the Dorset coroner after being returned to shore on Thursday night.
Bad weather in the area made it impossible to continue inspecting the area and the search for the body of the pilot will not go on -- "a very difficult decision," British police said.
Sala's body was found 63 meters deep during Wednesday and was taken to Dorset was it was subsequently, and sadly, identified.
The plane carrying the two men disappeared on Jan. 21 as Sala flew back to Cardiff, the Premier League club he had just signed for, after saying goodbye to his former Nantes teammates.
“We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano," Cardiff City said. "He and David will forever remain in our thoughts.”
The wider football world has also paid its respects to Sala, with Barcelona and Real Madrid to release statements sending their thoughts to the player's friends and family.
Barça forward Lionel Messi, a fellow Argentine, also posted a short message of support for those close to Sala.
Many players were involved in prolonging the search for Sala and Ibbotson, donating money for it to continue after it had been called off last week.
