I still agonise about meeting Emiliano Sala, says Cardiff boss Neil Warnock

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock says he still stops to think about the prospect of meeting Emiliano Sala as he struggles to come to terms with the striker’s death.

Sala’s body was recovered on Thursday evening from the wreckage of the plane that went missing during a flight from Nantes to Cardiff on January 21.

To mark his passing, Cardiff will wear black armbands and daffodils on their shirts at Southampton on Saturday. 

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock says he still stops to think about meeting Emiliano Sala

Warnock said: ‘Things move on, but you never forget things like this. You can’t put it to the back of your mind and, at certain times of the day, I think about meeting Emiliano. We’ve just got to pay our respects now the situation has come to an end. We should, as normal, wear black armbands and have a minute’s silence.’

The repatriation of Sala’s body has been organised by the player’s family and his agent Meissa N’Diaye. Sala’s mother, brother and sister are in France as they follow the process of returning the body to Argentina.

FIFA are reported to have been contacted by Nantes as the French club pursue the money they are owed for the transfer. Nantes need the money as chairman Waldemar Kita is seeking approval of plans to fund a new stadium. 

Cardiff are withholding payment for the first £5m instalment of the £15m transfer until investigations are concluded. 

Warnock’s side will wear black armbands and daffodils on their shirts at Southampton

They are obliged under FIFA rules to make the payment and in the worst-case scenario could face a transfer ban if they refuse — while there will also be an understanding of the unique circumstances of the case.

French football will also pay tribute this weekend. Nantes have retired the No 9 jersey and made all tickets for their game with Nimes €9 to ensure the stadium is full. All Ligue 1 and 2 matches in France will be preceded by a minute’s applause. 

Cardiff owner Vincent Tan added: ‘May Emiliano’s soul rest in peace. Cardiff City will continue to work with the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) and investigators to find out how the crash happened and to assist Emiliano’s family.’