Sala's agent Mark McKay, son of Willie Mcay, also an agent:
Sala's agent, Mark McKay, made his first statement since the footballer went missing, saying that he wanted to "express my sadness and that of my families" over the "tragic events".
"I knew Emiliano well, he was a wonderful person and I count myself fortunate to have known him," he said.
Mr Mckay added that the plane was "not owned in any way or part by either myself or any member of my family".
He said he began looking into arranging a private flight to take him to Nantes after his medical and signing in Cardiff on Saturday, at the footballer's request.
The plane was meant to remain in Nantes until he was due to return to the Welsh city on Tuesday, he added.