Horacio Sala said leaving the plane where it is was not an option. The lorry driver told TV reporters in his native Argentina: “We have to recover it as soon as possible to find out what happened and be sure about something.” It is the latest appeal for action from the heartbroken family following last month’s tragedy.
Air accident investigators yesterday declared the wreckage of the Piper Malibu plane which was carrying the Cardiff City striker and pilot David Ibbotson had been found.
The aircraft was believed to have crashed into the sea on January 21.
Sala had been in Nantes, France, saying goodbye to his former teammates following a £15million move to Welsh Premier League club Cardiff.
Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch said in a statement: “Based on analysis of ROV (underwater remotely operated vehicle) video footage, the AAIB investigators on board the vessel concluded that the object is wreckage from the missing Piper Malibu aircraft.
“Tragically, in video footage from the ROV, one occupant is visible amidst the wreckage. The AAIB is now considering the next steps, in consultation with the families of the pilot and passenger, and the police.”
The find came after marine scientist David Mearns led a team trying to located the wreckage. The search was completed in less than a day.
Yesterday Mr Mearns said bringing the wreckage back to land was “imperative”.
And he volunteered to lead the salvage operation for free. The wreck is currently 67 metres deep in the English Channel.
Mr Mearns said yesterday: “We are informing the family every step of the way what’s going on and they are making it clear to us what their priorities are at all times.
“There’s a much greater chance they will get answers if (the plane is) recovered.”
Mr Mearns continued: “I haven’t spoken to them verbally, but they were devastated the last time we were here and frankly the news is worse today.
“Now their worst fears are confirmed, so I would imagine they would be just as devastated – it’s going to take a long time for them to come to terms with the loss.”
He said lifting the plane was now the most important task.
Mr Mearns comments give hope to the heartbroken father of the football star.
Yesterday, Mr Sala told reporters in his homeland of Argentina: “I cannot believe it. This is a dream. A bad dream. I am desperate.
“I communicated with them every day, but since I do not have WhatsApp it’s hard to call them or call me.
“They told me that the days passed and there was no news of Emiliano or the plane.”
And Sala’s sister Romina ysterday shared a heartbreaking photo on Facebook of the footballer’s dog Nala sitting at the door of his home.
She wrote alongside the poignant snap: “Nala is waiting for you, too.”
The dog was one of the reasons Sala returned to France before starting training with Cardiff.
The striker moved from Nantes in the transfrer window.
Nala was said to be in kennels while waiting to be transferred to Wales.
After the star went missing dad Horacio said: “A friend called me and told me what had happened. I’m in Rosario now, I’m working because I’m a truck driver. I didn’t know anything. I just can’t believe it. I’m desperate. I don’t know what could have happened.
“To get the chance to play at a big European club was an amazing step for him and for his town back home. He is a humble small town boy. Everybody is watching the TV and waiting. Hopefully some good news arrives.”