Football stars and Sala’s sister pay tribute to the late football star
NANTES: Emiliano Sala’s sister led tributes to her brother as Mesut Ozil, Dejan Lovren and Kylian Mbappe all penned heartfelt messages for the Cardiff City player.
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’.
Diego Maradona, who was among those who called on authorities not to give up trying to find the footballer, paid tribute on Instagram.
Alongside a picture of a match-day programme featuring Sala, the Argentine World Cup winner said: “I am very sorry for this sad news. Many of us kept a light of hope for you, Emiliano. I send a big hug to your family and friends.”
Fellow Argentine, Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, added: “Terribly sad. Rest in peace, Emiliano. My condolences to his friends and family.”
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.”
Bluebirds defender Joe Bennett also took to Twitter by posting a yellow and blue heart emoji alongside a crying emoji and wrote: “RIP Emiliano' followed by a red heart.
Yesterday, Wayne Rooney added his voice to the many tributes, tweeting a black and white picture of Sala with the message: “Rest in peace. Thoughts are with friends and family.”
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.”
Mbappe, Antonio Valencia and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all posted ‘RIP’ on social media in tribute to Sala.
Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama joined the chorus of tributes on Friday morning, tweeting a picture of Sala alongside three broken heart emojis.
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.