Nantes plan to retire the No.9 shirt in memory of their former forward Emiliano Sala.

The Argentine’s body was recovered from the English Channel and formally identified on Thursday night – almost three weeks after his plane crashed en route to Cardiff.

Nantes changed their official club website to only show a photo of Sala with the words ‘Noue ne t’oublierons jamais, Emi!’ which translates as “We will never forget you, Emi!”

And club president Waldemar Kita has revealed they plan to retire Sala’s old shirt number.

He said: “I don’t have the words. It’s a tragedy, I’m crushed. Emiliano left his mark. That’s why, like may fans, I wish to honour him by retiring the No.9.”