Nantes players in tears during training as search for Sala is called off

Nantes players were in tears as they trained on Thursday with former teammate Emiliano Sala feared dead.

Sala was travelling back from Nantes to Cardiff after bidding farewell to his ex-teammates following his £15m move when his plane went missing.

MORE: Hopes fade for Cardiff striker Sala as his final message emerges, very touching

The search has been ongoing for the last three days but Guernsey Police confirmed on Thursday that it had been called off with the chance of survival "very slim".

Nantes had been due to play in the French Cup this week but the match was postponed amid the developments surrounding Sala.

But Vahid Halilhodzic's side did train on Thursday on a hugely-emotional day for the Ligue 1 club.

Nantes players during training

Nantes fans surrounded the training ground for the session as Halilhodzic and his players made an address.

The Bosnian cut a desolate figure as his squad were put through their paces.

And Halilhodzic even had to console striker Majeed Waris, who couldn't hide his emotions as he burst into tears.

Majeed Waris is comforted

Speaking ahead of the session, Halilhodzic told the fans: "It is not easy, if you want to stay with us today, we will continue to work.

"We will stick together more than ever to get through this tough moment.

"Thank you, vive Nantes."

Nantes' players and staff 

Emiliano Sala's flight to Cardiff was arranged by his agent, not the club

MORE: Sala 'made own travel arrangements', says Cardiff chairman

Cardiff owner Vincent Tan also issued a statement after the search for Sala and pilot David Ibbotson was called off.

"Monday evening’s news shook everyone at Cardiff City FC to the core," he said.

“We were looking forward to providing Emiliano with the next step in his life and career.

Nantes' head coach Vahid Halilhodzic and his players 

“Those who met Emiliano described a good-natured and humble young man who was eager to impress in the Premier League.

“The response from the football community has been truly touching and we place on record our sincere thanks to those who have sent messages of support.

“We also thank everyone involved with the search and rescue operation, and continue to pray for Emiliano, David Ibbotson and their families.”

Mirror UK