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Heartbreaking image emerges of Sala's lonely dog

The sister of Emiliano Sala has touched the football world after posting a heartbreaking photo of his beloved dog waiting for the player to return.

A plane carrying 28-year-old Sala and pilot David Ibbotson, 59, disappeared over the English Channel after leaving Nantes in France for Cardiff.

A body was later discovered at the site of the wreckage.

It’s now understood Sala was returning to France to make arrangements for his beloved dog to make the move to Wales with him, where Sala had just signed for Premier League newcomers Cardiff.

Sala’s sister shared a picture to Facebook of his faithful dog waiting for its owner to return.

It was captioned: “Nala is waiting for you, too.”

The heartbreaking image of Sala’s dog. Pic: Facebook
The heartbreaking image of Sala’s dog. Pic: Facebook

The tragedy has rocked the football community around the world, with Cardiff players, officials and fans flooding their home ground with tributes to the Argentine.

Underwater footage reveals body in plane

A body is visible in seabed video footage of the wreckage of the plane which crashed in the English Channel with Sala on board.

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch said on Monday the footage was filmed using an underwater remotely-operated vehicle which was surveying the area after the plane was located on Sunday.

Analysis of the footage by AAIB investigators confirmed the wreckage was of the missing Piper Malibu aircraft, which disappeared in poor weather near Guernsey on January 21.

A still shot from the underwater footage. Image: AFP
A still shot from the underwater footage. Image: AFP

“The ROV carried out a further search of the area overnight, but did not identify any additional pieces of wreckage,” the AAIB said in a statement.

“Tragically, in video footage from the ROV, one occupant is visible amidst the wreckage.”

The image shows the rear left side of the fuselage, including part of the aircraft registration, N264DB.

A decision has yet to be taken on whether to raise the wreckage to the surface.

“The AAIB is now considering the next steps, in consultation with the families of the pilot and passenger, and the police,” the statement added.

Emiliano Sala in action for Nantes. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images)
Emiliano Sala in action for Nantes. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images)

‘This is a bad dream’

Emiliano Sala’s father has spoken of his anguish and disbelief after the wreckage was discovered.

Speaking at his home in Argentina, Horacio Sala said he was “desperate” after a privately-funded search operation found the aircraft in waters north of Guernsey on Sunday.

“I cannot believe it. This is a dream. A bad dream. I am desperate,” Mr Sala told local broadcaster Cronica TV.

Cardiff had signed the footballer for a club record STG15 million and he was due to start training last month.

With agencies