Emiliano Sala pilot’s family launch desperate appeal to restart search for body

Ghana striker Abdul Majeed Waris has bid his departed Nantes attacking partner Emiliano Sala.

Ms Ibbotson asked for donations after Dorset Police confirmed the body of Cardiff City striker Sala, 28, had been pulled from the Piper Malibu, which the pair had been travelling in when it disappeared over the English Channel on January 21.

Sala's body was recovered and formally identified earlier this week but David Ibbotson, who was flying the light aircraft, has not been found.

Although Mr Ibbotson, 59, of Crowle, Lincolnshire, has not been located, poor weather conditions meant a "difficult decision was taken to bring the overall operation to a close", a spokesman for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said on Wednesday. Emiliano will forever be one of the legends who has written the great history of Nantes. It's a tragedy, I'm crushed.

"There are hard mornings, nightmarish awakenings, where unhappily reality hit us". That's why, like many fans, I wish to honour him by retiring the No.9'.

"The homages paid to him nationally and internationally match the player and personal that he was".

"We can't forget in this drama the pilot and his family and have confidence that the authorities will continue their search". We will never forget you Emi.