31 Jan WATCH | Former club pays emotional tribute to missing player Emiliano Sala

French club Nantes have paid an emotional tribute to former player Emiliano Sala after his disappearance in a suspected plane crash.

Fans chanted and applauded Sala’s name after play was halted in the ninth minute in their Ligue 1 match against Saint-Etienne, with Nantes players wearing Sala's name on the back of their shirts.

The Argentine wore the number 9 shirt during his time at Nantes, scoring 48 goals in 133 appearances, before signing for Premier League club Cardiff City.

Une ambiance mémorable pour un joueur mémorable… Merci à tous 🙏#FCNASSE | #PlayForSala pic.twitter.com/orC2FUTUZ1

— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) January 30, 2019

Tous Sala.#FCNASSE | #PlayForSala pic.twitter.com/i2jxMEG3F4

— FC Nantes (@FCNantes) January 30, 2019

Coach Vahid Halilhodzic was seen in tears as players and fans from both clubs paid their respects to the missing 28-year-old in an emotionally charged evening at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

The whole squad formed a circle as Halilhodzic addressed the players moments before the match.

Watch Nantes' emotional tribute to Emiliano Sala in the link below:

Play is stopped with nine minutes on the clock in honour of Emiliano Sala 💛💚 pic.twitter.com/o42QRDxKaI

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 30, 2019

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