Messi’s message for Sala: The search for Emiliano Sala and the pilot was called off yesterday after their aircraft disappeared on Monday night.
The Guernsey Police announced on Thursday that the search for the missing aircraft carrying footballer Emiliano Sala has been called off.
In a statement which was published on their official Twitter account, Guernsey Police communicated the end of the recovery operation, stating that the chances of survival are ‘extremely remote.’
The aircraft went off the radar at around 8:30 PM on Monday night and the rescue operation began immediately.
Earlier, the French civil aviation authority confirmed the presence of Cardiff City’s footballer in the aircraft on Tuesday morning.
Tributes began to pour in after the announcement by the Guernsey Police. English football clubs paid tribute to the footballer and the pilot, while expressing their solidarity with their families, as well as Cardiff City and Sala’s former club, Nantes.
However, Nantes has urged the rescuers to continue on their operation.
In a statement which was posted on their official Twitter account, Nantes said, “FC Nantes has learnt that the search for the missing plane was called off. This search mustn’t stop, @Guernsey Police.
“The club and its supporters strongly ask for the search to find @EmilianoSala1 to go on, for his family and his near relatives. Together for Emi !”
The French side is not the only one making a demand for the operation to resume.
Fellow Argentine footballer and Manchester City’s striker Sergio Aguero has also put a message on his Twitter account, where he appealed to the Guernsey Police to keep searching for the missing duo.
We don’t want to give up, we want to hold on to hope. That’s why I also wish #NoDejenDeBuscar – don’t call off the search. From the start, my thoughts have been with Emiliano, his family and friends #PrayForSala
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) January 24, 2019
And now, Barcelona’s star Lionel Messi has also put an emotional message for the missing Cardiff City footballer.
“As long as there’s a chance, a thread of hope, we ask that you please #DontStopLooking for Emiliano. All of my strength and support to his family and friends. #PrayForSala,” Messi wrote on his Instagram story.
“As long as there are possibilities, a thread of hope, please ask and don’t stop searching Emiliano”-Leo Messi.
WELL DONE LEO !
Emiliano Sala, Guernsey Police, Guernsey Press, #EmilianoSala #PrayForSala @GuernseyPolice pic.twitter.com/7Y8Hd3LhgZ
— #PrayForSala (@iHeartGeorgius1) January 25, 2019
Earlier, Cardiff City also issued a statement after the end of the search operation.
At this time of immeasurable sadness, our thoughts are with the family and friends of both men on board, the fans of both @FCNantes, #CardiffCity, and their connections around the world.https://t.co/C47oWEhURw#CityAsOne
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) January 24, 2019
The club’s owner, Vincent Tan stated that the club prays for Emiliano Sala, David Ibbotson (the pilot) and their families.
“Monday evening’s news shook everyone at Cardiff City FC to the core,” Tan said, as quoted by the club’s website.
“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.”
