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: Tampines Rovers stay true to playing style as they
NEWPORT keeper Joe Day quickly put their famous win over Middlesbrough behind him as he sprinted off at the final whistle to be with his wife as she gave birth to twin girls. The 28-year-old
Newport star Joe Day's wife gives birth to twins during FA
Business BlackRock aims to be a top asset manager in China, Fink says. Investment giant sees Asia driving 50% of growth over next five years
US-China rivalry may become dangerous, Asian leaders and
PARMA, Italy (REUTERS) - Fabio Quagliarella became Italy's oldest goalscorer as his double helped Roberto Mancini's rejuvenated side thrash 10-man Liechtenstein 6-0 in their second Euro 2020
Football - Veteran Quagliarella helps rejuvenated Italy
Harry Kane wants to end career as NFL kicker. England captain Harry Kane has his heart set on ending his playing career in the United States kicking field goals for a team in the National
England captain Harry Kane eyes future as American football
Football: Juventus's old guard bidding to finish job against Ajax kids TURIN (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead Juventus' old guard as they look to finish the job on Tuesday (April 16) against Ajax's impressive young guns in a quarter-final clash between two sides desperate to end years of Champions League heartbreak.
Juve's old guard bidding to finish job against Ajax kids
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 29, 2019, with the headline 'Norwich and Sheffield promoted to EPL'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
Norwich promoted to EPL after 3-year absence | FOX Sports
Detroit Lions must sign Le'Veon Bell if they're serious about run game. The Detroit Lions must sign Le'Veon Bell if they want to commit to being a great run-first offense like the Seattle Seahawks.
Penn State Football - pennlive.com
We are now able to confirm the ticketing process for our live screening of the UEFA Champions League Final being held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 1 June. As previously communicated, we shall be opening the stadium to full capacity with all tickets for this event priced at £10 for
Free live screenings of Champions League final, Football News
Mar 17, 2019 · Manchester City were paired with Brighton in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, while Watford will face Wolves following the draw, which was made immediately after Brighton's penalty shootout defeat
Watch Millwall v Brighton and FA Cup semi-final draw - Live
Soccer: Hungry Wolves beat 10-man Manchester United 2-1 - again. Andrew Cawthorne. 3 Min Read. Soccer Football - Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Molineux Stadium
Hungry Wolves beat 10-man Manchester United 2-1 - Reuters
June 10, 2019 Tony highlights: A historic win and a strong night for women. NEW YORK (AP) — When effervescent actress Ali Stroker came onstage to accept her historic trophy as the first actor in
Pele to have urinary tract surgery in Brazil: hospital By superliga On Apr 10, 2019 0 Sao Paulo (AFP) - Pele will have an operation to remove a 'ureteral stone,' his doctors said Wednesday, a day after the football great returned to Brazil following treatment in a Paris hospital for an infection.
Pele to have urinary tract surgery in Brazil: hospital
0 comments:
Post a Comment