Super Eagles stars, John Mikel Obi, Dickson Nwakeame
Sala was in a plane flying from Nantes, France to Cardiff on January 21, when it crashed into the sea along with pilot David Ibbotson inside.
On Wednesday, emerged an unidentified body – now known to be Sala – was brought off the ship, Geo Ocean III, on a stretcher and transferred to a private ambulance before being taken to Dorset Police and the local coroner.
“Rest in Peace Emiliano. Lots of strength and courage to your family and loved ones 🙏,” Mikel who recently joined Middlesbrough until the end of the season wrote on Instagram.
“Played against him. He was a beast and good finisher. So gentle but God knows best. I’m sure he’s in a better place,” Nwakaeme wrote on his Instagram Page.
Chidozie Awaziem who played alongside Sala at Nantes during the 2017/18 season also wrote on Instagram: “😭😭You will forever be in our heart 😢😢RIP EMI.”
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 on Instagram reads: Your soul in my soul will shine forever, illuminating the time of my existence. I love you’.
Sergio Aguero, Mesut Ozil, Dejan Lovren and Antonio Rudiger also all penned heartfelt messages for Cardiff City striker Sala.
Manchester City forward Aguero wrote: ‘Terribly sad. Rest in peace, Emiliano. My condolences to his friends and family.”
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.”
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.”
“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! ‘Lovren posted on Instagram.
Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Valencia and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all posted ‘RIP’ on social media in tribute to Sala.
By Johnny Edward.
