Emiliano Sala’s sister reveals she's adopted Cardiff City star’s heartbroken dog Nala

EMILIANO Sala’s sister has revealed she will look after the Cardiff City star’s heartbroken dog Nala as the search continues following the plane crash over the English Channel.

Posted Friday, February 08, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

Sala vanished two weeks ago while travelling from Nantes to Cardiff to begin his career in the Premier League.

The wreck of the Piper Malibu – flown by David Ibbotson – was discovered 67 metres deep, and a body has been removed by rescuers.

His sister Romina has now revealed she has adopted the footballer’s loyal dog after the pooch was pictured waiting for him to come home.

Photos showed the black Labrador staring out into the street as hopes dim for finding Sala alive.

The Argentina footie ace had been a record signing for Cardiff City and his disappearance has sparked an outpouring of grief in the Premier League.

Romina tweeted a photo of Sala and the dog, and another with a heartfelt message.

She wrote: “Nala, your faithful companionship is now ours.”

The pooch is believed to be one of the reasons for Sala’s return to France after signing for Cardiff.

He was understood to have taken the beloved pet to the kennels before starting the process of moving her to Wales to live with him.

Emiliano Sala’s sister reveals she's adopted Cardiff City star’s heartbroken dog Nala
TRAGIC: Emiliano Sala vanished leaving behind his heartbroken dog Nala (Pic: FACEBOOK)

Sala's family and the wife of pilot David Ibbotson are waiting for a body which was recovered from the wreckage of their plane to be formally identified.

Attempts to raise the wreckage completely have been abandoned because of poor weather conditions.

It is not yet known what caused the plane to crash as it made the flight across the English Channel.

The body recovered from the plane was brought to Portland, Dorset, before being transferred to the coroner.

Officials later confirmed the body was that of Sala.

Emiliano Sala’s sister reveals she's adopted Cardiff City star’s heartbroken dog Nala
GOING HOME: Emiliano Sala's pooch Nala is being adopted by his sister Romina (Pic: FACEBOOK)

Emiliano Sala’s sister reveals she's adopted Cardiff City star’s heartbroken dog Nala
COME HOME: Emiliano Sala's dog Nala was pictured waiting for him to arrive (Pic: FACEBOOK)

A statement issued by the coroner and Dorset police said: “The body brought to Portland Port today has been formally identified by HM Coroner for Dorset as that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala.

"The families of Mr Sala and 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 all.

"HM Coroner will continue to investigate the circumstances of this death supported by Dorset Police.”

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it decided to attempt recovery operations after using a remotely operated vessel (ROV) to examine the accident site off the coast of Guernsey.

Emiliano Sala’s sister reveals she's adopted Cardiff City star’s heartbroken dog Nala
FAMILY: Emiliano Sala's relatives are anxiously waiting for news on the Cardiff City star (Pic: FACEBOOK)

AAIB officials said they expected to publish an interim report within the month on the crash.

It has emerged that Nantes has demanded payment from Cardiff for the player's transfer.

Nantes is said to have sent a letter to Cardiff on Tuesday, in which the French Ligue 1 club threatened to take legal action if the first scheduled payment of the fee is not made within 10 days.

Cardiff has reportedly been left surprised by the demand, considering the circumstances and the timing, and would rather the investigation into the tragedy is completed first.