A body that was recovered from a plane which crashed in the English Channel has been formally identified as Cardiff striker Emiliano Sala.
The familes of Sala and the pilot of the plane, David Ibbotson, have been informed.
Dorset Police said in a statement: “The body brought to Portland Port today, Thursday February 7 2019, has been formally identified by HM Coroner for Dorset as that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala.
“The families of Mr Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson have been updated with this news and will continue to be supported by specially-trained family liaison officers.
“Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.
“HM Coroner will continue to investigate the circumstances of this death supported by Dorset Police.”
Cardiff released a statement offering their condolences to the families of both the striker and the pilot.
Emiliano Sala: Born in Argentina, forged in France and tragically taken on his way to Wales
“We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano,” the club said.
“He and David will forever remain in our thoughts.”
The Piper Malibu N264DB plane lost contact with air traffic control over the Channel during a flight from Nantes to Cardiff on Monday January 21.
Sala, who was announced as Cardiff’s club-record signing three days earlier, was in France saying goodbye to former team-mates at the Ligue 1 club.
An initial search and rescue operation failed to locate the plane but it was later discovered by the Air Accident Investigation Branch and privately funded search teams.
They recovered a body from the wreckage, which has now been identified as the Argentine striker, while the pilot is still missing.
The aircraft remains 67 metres underwater 21 miles off the coast of Guernsey.