Tragically, Emiliano Sala has been confirmed as dead by authorities.

Sala went missing during a flight to Cardiff on January 19, along with pilot David Ibbotson, and their Piper Malibu plane was found two weeks later.

The sporting world and many others came together to raise money for the search, leading to the discovery on the seabed north of Guernsey.

Initial observations from Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) confirmed sightings of people within the wreckage, later leading to confirmation of the sad news.

Dorset Police released the following statement on Thursday night: “The body brought to Portland Port today, Thursday 7 February 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.

“On Monday 21 January 2019 a plane carrying both men was flying from Nantes to Cardiff when it lost contact with Air Traffic Control, north of Guernsey.

"Sadly a search and rescue operation was unsuccessful in locating the plane and the two occupants. Subsequently AAIB and privately funded search teams were deployed to the relevant area.

"Using specialist equipment the teams succeeded in locating and identifying the plane and recovering Mr Sala’s body.”

We pass on our sincerest condolences to the Sala family, as well as everybody effected by the tragic news.