A body found in the wreckage of a plane that crashed into the English Channel was identified as soccer player Emiliano Sala, the BBC reported Thursday.
Sala, 28, an Argentine striker who had just been transferred to the Cardiff City squad, was traveling to Wales in a plane piloted by 59-year-old David Ibbotson when it went missing Jan. 21, ESPN reported. Sala's body was recovered Wednesday night, and his identity was confirmed by Dorset police Thursday night, the BBC reported.
In a tweet Thursday, Dorset police officials said, "Our thoughts remain with the (families)" of Sala and Ibbotson.
The Piper Malibu N264DB Sala was traveling in was en route from France to Cardiff after he was transferred from his former club, Nantes, to Cardiff City, the BBC reported.
Cardiff City issued a statement after Salas’ identity was confirmed, saying, "We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano. He and David will forever remain in our thoughts."
