Rizespor of Turkey defender, Chidozie Awaziem has joined in mourning tragic soccer star, Emiliano Sala (Emi), and says his former teammates at FC Nantes of France will forever be in his heart.
Sports247.ng reports that Awaziem was taken aback by disturbing news of Sala’s death, which was confirmed on Thursday, after several weeks of suspense over a missing airplane that lifted the Argentine star from his former base at Nantes.
Sala had gone to bid his former teammates farewell, after sealing a deal at Cardiff City of Wales just two days earlier, but the 28-year-old striker never got the opportunity of a debut with The Cherries.
Awaziem’s words are part of the lamentations that reached a climax on Wednesday, when it emerged that a body was brought off ship, Geo Ocean III, on a stretcher and transferred to a private ambulance before being taken to Dorset Police and the local coroner.
The plane was flying from Nantes, France, the home of Sala’s former team, to Cardiff on January 21, when it crashed into the sea with the new £15m signing and pilot David Ibbotson inside.
Sadly, a statement from Dorset Police, released on Thursday night, read: ‘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.’
In response, Nantes retired their No. 9 jersey in honour of Sala, whose body was found in the plane wreckage in the English Channel.
There were also tearful scenes outside the club’s Stade de la Beaujoire on Friday morning, as a ‘keep hope’ banner was removed in front of the floral tribute and the French club released a statement, confirming their decision to retire Sala’s jersey.
In reaction, Awaziem recalled how close he got to Sala during his days at Nantes, on loan from FC Porto of Portugal, and prayed for his former club mate to rest in peace.
Awaziem stated in his obsequies on social media: “You will forever be in our hearts. RIP Emi.”
