The missing plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala has been found, investigators said on Sunday night. 

Sala was travelling from France to join up with his new club, Premier League strugglers Cardiff City, in a light aircraft on January 21, when it went missing close to the Channel Islands.

Suspected debris from the plane washed up on the Normandy coastline on Wednesday.

Marine scientist David Mearns, who directing the private search on behalf of the Sala family said on Twitter: “Wreckage of the plane carrying Emiliano Sala and piloted by David Ibbotson was located early this morning."

Mearns added: “The families of Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson have been notified by police. The AAIB will be making a statement tomorrow. Tonight our sole thoughts are with the families and friends of Emiliano and David.”

Sala was flying in the Piper PA-46 Malibu plane after transferring from French team Nantes in a 17-million-euro move.

It vanished from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Guernsey, with pilot Dave Ibbotson the only other person aboard.

Rescue workers suspended the official search for the aircraft last Thursday after an intensive hunt involving planes and boats failed to locate it.

Players and supporters observe a moment of reflection to honour Cardiff's Argentinian striker Emiliano Sala.Players and supporters observe a moment of reflection to honour Cardiff's Argentinian striker Emiliano Sala.

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