Fellow players pay tribute to footballer Emiliano Sala

The club said in a statement: "We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano.

"He and David will forever remain in our thoughts."

Despite not getting the chance to play for Cardiff, several of his new team-mates shared their sadness at the news of his death.

Joe Bennett said simply: "RIP Emiliano", alongside several heart emojis, while Sol Bamba described the news as "tragic".

— Sol Bamba (@Sol14Bamba) February 7, 2019

Oumar Niasse tweeted: "‏RIP @EmilianoSala1 Forever in our thoughts".

Diego Maradona, who was among those to call on authorities not to give up trying to find the footballer, posted a tribute on Instagram.

He told how many had kept a "light of hope" for the footballer, adding: "I send a big hug to your family and friends".

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero‏, a fellow Argentinian, tweeted: "Rest in peace, Emiliano. My condolences to his friends and family #PrayForSala", while former Nantes team-mate Gabriel Boschilia said on Instagram it had been a pleasure to play alongside Sala.

The light aircraft was piloted by David Ibbotson, who has not been found.

Arsenal player Mesut Ozil‏ wrote: "No words to describe how sad this is. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and also to the family of the pilot. #RIPsala".

Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy tweeted an image of Sala, while Paris Saint-Germain footballer Kylian Mbappe wrote simply: "RIP EMI".

Football clubs across the world also shared messages of tribute, with Barcelona tweeting: "Rest in peace", while Independiente, the Argentine club Sala supported, posted words of solidarity for the player's family and friends.

Argentina's president Mauricio Macri – who had joined calls for the search for the plane to be resumed after it was called off – also posted on Twitter, sending his condolences to Sala's family, adding: "We are with you".

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