Chelsea striker Gonzalo Higuain pays tribute to Cardiff striker and fellow countryman Emiliano Sala

Gonzalo Higuain has paid his respects to fellow countryman and new Cardiff striker Emiliano Sala who disappeared over the Channel Islands on Monday night.

The striker, along with pilot David Ibbotson, was on board the light aircraft that went missing around 12 miles north of Guernsey and an extensive search by both police and rescue workers has been carried out but there has been “no trace” of the aircraft.

And Guernsey Police announced on Thursday afternoon that they were ending the search for the Piper Malibu and the two passengers who were on board.

Higuain, who has joined Chelsea on a six-month loan deal, was keen to open his first interview with the club, by addressing a situation that has touched the footballing world.

“I send my strength,” he said to Chelsea’s official website.

“Hope is the last thing we can lose so we have to hold out hope that they are somewhere and, if that wasn’t to be the case, it will be a great loss.”

Cardiff chief executive Ken Choo told talkSPORT that Sala’s sister Romina had flown to Wales to discuss the circumstances surrounding her brother.

“Basically what is happening is Sala’s sister is here in Cardiff gathering information,” Choo said.

“We met her at 10pm last night and had talks until midnight.

“She has read a lot in the press but she wants to hear from the club and get the facts. We’re trying to get as much factual information for her and make sure all the right facts she requires are conveyed to her.

“The family is living in Argentina and she just wants to look a person in the face, in the eye and get more factual information – that’s the reason for her trip.”