Nantes plan tribute to Emiliano Sala in Ligue 1 clash with Nimes

Nantes are to pay a special tribute to Emiliano Sala in their clash with Nimes on Sunday.

On Thursday, Sala's body was identified among the wreckage of the plane that crashed on January 21 in the English Channel and there has been a massive outpouring of emotion from the footballing world.

His former side Nantes are planning their own tribute with a number of classy touches for their Ligue 1 game.

The team will all wear black shirts bearing the Argentine's name and all tickets to the game cost €9 in reference to the forward's number.

No doubt the afternoon of homage will be charged with emotion as fans, players and staff are given a chance to say their own farewell.

Nantes manager Vahid Halilhodzic has vowed to create a 'sacred union' amongst his squad.

Sala went missing  when a plane carrying him from Nantes to Cardiff crashed into the Channel, two days after the completion of a club record £15million transfer to the Bluebirds.

He was formally identified by the Dorset coroner on Thursday night but pilot David Ibbotson remains missing.

Valilhoidzic, looking gaunt as he addressed the media ahead of his side's Ligue 1 game at home to Nimes on Sunday, said: 'We always kept hope, knowing full well that it was almost an illusion. The truth has fallen - terrible, unfair.

'The situation is a little different for families. But it's terrible. We can now pay tribute to someone who will leave an eternal mark on this club, with his behaviour, his modesty.'

Earlier on Friday, Nantes retired the number nine shirt previously won by Sala.

With the clash with Nimes the start of a run of three matches in seven days, Valilhodzic knows he faces a struggle to pick up his players.

'These are essential matches in our position,' added Valilhodzic, whose side are six points above the relegation zone.

'I do not know how we will get out of it, but I will try to create this sacred union. The group must come out with character to get by.

'Today's terrible news gives us a terrible shock at a crucial moment. We need results now.

'Whether it's the players or the staff, everyone must make the effort to work and play together. I do what I can do, but I need everyone right now.

'It takes a lot of character to play a Ligue 1 match right now. I hope we will come out stronger.'