Guernsey's harbour master Captain David Barker earlier confirmed the "difficult" decision to end the search, saying the chances of survival were "extremely remote".

The single-turbine engine Piper PA-46 Malibu left Nantes for Cardiff at 7.15pm on Monday, and after requesting to descend, lost contact with Jersey air traffic control.

Premier League strugglers Cardiff City signed 28-year-old Sala for a club record £15 million to bolster their attack and was due to start training on Tuesday.

Mr Barker acknowledged Sala's family were "not content" with the decision to stop actively searching but said he was "absolutely confident" no more could have been done and that UK coastguard protocols were followed.

He said he hoped the families of the missing pair found some comfort in the incident remaining open, despite searches ceasing.

"I can't begin to imagine how they must be feeling, but I do understand and I hope they will find some comfort from the fact that we are not closing this incident," Captain Barker said.

"Although we are stopping searching, the incident remains open and we are continuing with our broadcasts to ships and aircraft that are passing through the area and asking them to report anything that may be linked to the missing aircraft."

Mr Barker said the plane was last known to be near Hurd's Deep, a underwater valley north-west of the Channel Islands, which could make recovery of a wreckage very difficult.

Sala's WhatsApp recordings sent from the aircraft may be used in investigation into the events and the weather may have player a role in the crash, Mr Barker added.

Cardiff said in a statement on Thursday evening: "At this time of immeasurable sadness, our thoughts are with the family and friends of both men on board, the fans of both FC Nantes, Cardiff City, and their connections around the world."

The club's owner Vincent Tan added: "Monday evening's news shook everyone at Cardiff City FC to the core.

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

Nantes coach Vahid Halilhodzic was visibly emotional as he paid tribute to Sala in an interview with reporters at the club's training ground, at one point breaking off to drink from a bottle of water and compose himself before continuing.

He said: "He is a real warrior who loved the club. I have never heard anyone who had a bad word to say about him.

"He thanked me the day he left. I could never have imagined it would be the last time I spoke with him.

"Life can be cruel, unjust. He does not deserve that."

Rescue teams have scanned around 1,700 square miles and examined mobile phone data and satellite imagery but found no trace of the aircraft.

Three planes and five helicopters racked up 80 hours combined flying time looking for the plane, working alongside two lifeboats and other passing ships.

Andrew Blackie, an accident investigation expert, who has flown on similar planes and journeys, said the missing aircraft would not have a black box recorder or parachutes.

Speaking ahead of the search being called off, he said there was nothing "inherently wrong" in Sala taking the flight from Nantes but investigators may want to look at "risk choice" alongside technical issues.

"The loss of a piston-powered single engine aircraft, at night, in poor weather over the Channel is hardly a unique occurrence," he said.

"Icing, loss of instruments, fuel problems, navigation failure, pilot incapacitation, carbon monoxide leaks... the list of hazards is long."

He added: "Maybe the more important question is why were they there in the first place? Why did it make sense for this aircraft, its pilot and professional footballer passenger to be making this trip?

"It clearly did made sense to those involved but, did they understand the associated risks, did they make an informed choice? Understanding this will be key to understanding this accident and helping to prevent future accidents."

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