Cardiff City issue statement regarding Emiliano Sala’s recovery operation.
Emiliano Sala, who boarded the helicopter in Nantes in order to join his new teammates at Cardiff City has drained inside the water body after the plane had crashed midway in his travel.
The Argentine International was supposed to land in Wales on Tuesday, but there has not been a piece of single evidence that Emiliano Sala is alive.
After 80 hours of continuous search, the police were not able to find anything related to the plane or the passengers who boarded the flight. Hence, they were forced to quit this operation until there is a “significant improvement.”
The statement also added the chances of surviving is very minimal.
Cardiff City, who made Emiliano Sala as their record signing for 18 million pounds were ready with the arrangements for the Argentine to travel back to England, but he declined.
After waiting for a long time, Cardiff City issued an official statement on the recovery status of the striker. The statement read that they were not able to trace anything aircraft, the pilot or the passenger.
“It is with a heavy heart that we report the latest development in the search for Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson.
Harbour Master Captain, David Barker, said: “Despite the best efforts of air and search assets from the Channel Islands, UK and France, which has covered an area of approximately 1,700sq. miles – with a significant amount of this searched more than once – and having examined mobile phone data and satellite imagery, we have been unable to find any trace of the aircraft, the pilot or the passenger.” Full statement.
At this time of immeasurable sadness, our thoughts are with the family and friends of both men on board, the fans of both FC Nantes, Cardiff City, and their connections around the world.
Tan Sri Vincent Tan said: “Monday evening’s news shook everyone at Cardiff City FC to the core.
“We were looking forward to providing Emiliano with the next step in his life and career.
“Those who met Emiliano described a good-natured and humble young man who was eager to impress in the Premier League.
“The response from the football community has been truly touching and we place on record our sincere thanks to those who have sent messages of support.
“We also thank everyone involved with the search and rescue operation, and continue to pray for Emiliano, David Ibbotson and their families.”
Nantes fans were laying tulips in the city center upon hearing this news. Additionally, the French outfit were mourning the absence of Sala. Vahid Halilhodzic’s side did train, but they could not hide their emotions off. Striker Majeed Waris was consoled by Halilhodzic when he broke down during the training session.
The manager said that “It is not easy, if you want to stay with us today, we will continue to work. We will stick together more than ever to get through this tough moment.
“Thank you, vive Nantes.”
