NANTES, France (AFP) - Nantes paid an emotional tribute to Emiliano Sala at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Wednesday (Jan 30) before their first match since their former striker's plane disappeared over the Channel last week.
The 28-year-old had been travelling from Nantes to his new club Cardiff City when the plane went missing, with pilot David Ibbotson the only other person on board.
British investigators said earlier on Wednesday it was "likely" that two seat cushions that have washed up on the French shore were from the missing aircraft.
Nantes unveiled a large photo of Sala in the centre-circle before kick-off in the Ligue 1 game against Saint-Etienne, while the Argentine's former teammates donned T-shirts with "we love you Emi" written on the back.
Supporters unfurled banners supporting Sala and flew Argentinian flags in the stands.
The tearful fans held a minute's applause and chanted his name.
All the Nantes players played in shirts featuring Sala's name instead of their own.
Â
Â
Â
Â
Former Nantes forward Yacine Bammou, who became a close friend of Sala's before leaving for Caen, was in tears in the stands, while coach Vahid Halilhodzic also struggled to contain his emotions.
Sala scored 42 league goals in 120 appearances for Nantes before signing for Cardiff in a €17 million (S$26 million) move.
He had visited his former teammates in Nantes on Jan 21 to say goodbye before flying towards Cardiff on the Piper PA-46 Malibu plane.
The official search was suspended last Thursday, but Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it would start an underwater search this weekend, working alongside a privately-funded search.
Hundreds of Nantes fans had held a vigil in the French city last week shortly after the first searches had failed to find the player.
"I did not have much hope. Now we must try to mourn and then move forward," said 69-year-old Nantes supporter Andree Guittet.
Football: Klopp plays down Liverpool fatigue concerns ahead
Copa del Rey: Valencia to face Barcelona in final after
Former England star Wayne Rooney scored three goals on Saturday night to lead DC United to a crushing 5-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. Rooney bags first MLS hat-trick in DC romp.
Watch: Rooney bags first MLS hat trick in DC United romp
Mauricio Pochettino and Danny Rose. Those comments will leave Pochettino with a difficult decision to make over the England international who on several occasions this season has proven why he's one of the very best in his position. Read More. Marcus Edwards, Onomah, Carter-Vickers - What next for the 8 Spurs players who went out on loan
London: Andre Gray came off the bench to fire Watford into the FA Cup semi-finals with the late winner in their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Javi Gracia's side took the lead
Football: Super-sub Gray sends Watford into FA Cup semis
For more details kindly check website
Qatar vs Lebanon: World Cup host high on confidence Qatar's road to the 2022 World Cup starts against Lebanon in Group E of the Asian Cup, with coach Felix Sanchez in bullish mood.
He's our Guardiola: Qatar coach Felix Sanchez hailed after
Arsenal win in Napoli to reach Europa League semi-finals Alexandre Lacazette's free-kick secures victory on the night and a 3-0 aggregate win for the Gunners.
UPDATED: Arsenal beat Napoli to reach Europa League semi
HISTORYMAKER Homes is the premiere DFW home builder offering new DFW and Houston homes for sale in numerous beautiful new communities.
Google Переводчик
Jurgen Klopp has warned Liverpool's Premier League rivals that the leaders are laying the foundations for long-term success. Klopp's side sit four points clear at the top as they chase Liverpool
Liverpool laying groundwork for sustained success, says Klopp
Chelsea can cope with transfer ban, says Sarri. celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove
Chelsea Can Cope With Transfer Ban - Sarri | Sportnaija
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has promised Manchester United will go on the attack against Paris Saint-Germain in a bid to qualify for the Champions League quarterfinals. PSG outplayed United 2-0 at Old Trafford last month to take complete control of their last-16 tie and Solskjaer's side will be without inspirational midfielder Paul Pogba due to
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells Manchester United to go all out on
Paul Cox is refusing to let Mansfield's season drift to a conclusion now they are out of the play-off race. The Stags' 2-0 League Two defeat by Cheltenham on Monday ended their outside hopes of a
Pepe Reina demands strong finish - Sports Mole
Football: 10-man Arsenal slump in Rennes, Sevilla held in
0 comments:
Post a Comment