Father of tragic footballer Emiliano Sala dies

Tributes at Cardiff City Stadium for Emiliano Sala Credit: Aaron Chown/PA

Emiliano Sala’s father has died, months after the footballer was killed in a plane crash in the English Channel, a politician has said.

Horacio Sala, 58, died at his home in Progreso in Argentina’s Santa Fe province, local media reported on Friday.

Progreso mayor Julio Muller told radio station La Red of Mr Sala’s death.

“He could never get over Emi’s death,” he said.

“The partner of Horacio called me at five in the morning. The doctors were already there.

"When he left his home, he had already died."

Horacio Sala was said never to have recovered from his son's death. Credit: AP

Mr Muller cited “a heart problem” for the father’s death.

New Cardiff City signing Emiliano, 28, disappeared with the pilot of the Piper Malibu after it crashed in the waters north of Guernsey on January 21.

Emiliano Sala had been signed by Cardiff City from Nantes. Credit: PA

Emiliano’s remains were recovered on February 6 after a private search, but the pilot, David Ibbotson, 59, of Crowle, Lincolnshire, is still missing.

The father said he was “desperate” after the underwater search found the crashed aircraft.

“I cannot believe it. This is a dream. A bad dream. I am desperate,” Mr Sala told local broadcaster Cronica TV.