Maradona: Hope Sala's pilot got wrong airport & that he’s found still alive

Napoli and Argentina icon Diego Maradona says ‘I hope Emiliano Sala’s pilot got the wrong airport and that he’s found still alive.’

Sala has been missing since Tuesday morning after it emerged Cardiff City’s record signing was on a light aircraft when it lost contact with air traffic control near Alderney in the English Channel and disappeared off radar.

“I hope the pilot got the wrong airport and that he’s found still alive,” Maradona was quoted as saying about his fellow Argentine by ItaPressSport.

“That’s all I can say. It’s a terrible tragedy. Right now I’m thinking about all the flights I’ve been on with many other people.”

Former Juventus, Roma and Inter boss Claudio Ranieri, meanwhile, worked with Sala at Nantes last season.

“The world of football will be united in wishing for some positive news,” said the Fulham boss.

“He’s a fantastic footballer who always gave his best when we worked together in France.

“Like everyone else, I was devastated to hear the news this morning that Emiliano was on board the aircraft.

“Emiliano is a wonderful character. Knowing him as a person, he’s a fighter. “In the meantime, I - along with the Nantes and Fulham families - pray for Emiliano and his family.”

The 28-year-old was born in Argentina but held an Italian passport and spent the entirety of his professional career in France.