Former Nantes manager Claudio Ranieri pays tribute to Emiliano Sala

Former Nantes manager Claudio Ranieri has paid tribute to Emiliano Sala after Cardiff's new £15million striker went missing on a plane over English Channel on Monday night.

The Italian managed the Argentine forward during his spell as manager of the Ligue 1 club in the 2017-18 season and Sala finished as his top scorer with 12 goals.

Sala had completed a move to Cardiff on Friday night and was returning to the Welsh capital on Monday night when his aircraft disappeared from radar contact near the Channel Islands.

He had been back to Nantes to collect the remainder of his belongings and say goodbye to team-mates, many of whom Ranieri had coached last season.

The search for the missing Argentine footballer resumed on Wednesday morning, after it was postponed overnight.

Ranieri, now in charge of Fulham, said: 'Like everyone else, I was devastated to hear the news this morning that Emiliano was on board the aircraft.

'Emiliano is a wonderful character. Knowing him as a person, he's a fighter.

'He's a fantastic footballer who always gave his best when we worked together in France.

'The world of football will be united in wishing and hoping for some positive news.'In the meantime, I - along with the Nantes and Fulham families - pray for Emiliano and his family.'

When news emerged of Sala being missing emerged on Tuesday morning the footballing world rallied together to send messages of support to Cardiff and Nantes.

Clubs across the globe shared messages of support with Leicester City one of the first having suffered their own heartache with the death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash last year.

The Thai owner was one of four passengers who lost life after the helicopter they left the stadium in lost control and they crashed on nearby ground.