Tearful family and friends gather for footballer Sala's wake and funeral (PHOTOS)

Mourners are gathering to pay their respects to footballer Emiliano Sala in his Argentinian homeland as the funeral and wake are held for the Cardiff City player, who tragically died in a plane crash in the English channel.

The 28-year-old’s body was returned to Argentina earlier in the week, and mourners including friends and family are meeting at a wake at Club Atletico Social San Martin, the club Sala played for during his youth in his hometown, Progreso.

Mourners gather for Sala's wake in his hometown. © Getty Images / Gustavo Garello

There will later be a funeral in Santa Fe, where Sala’s body will be cremated.

READ MORE: Footballer Sala died of 'head and chest injuries,' inquest hears

Among the mourners is the striker’s distraught sister Romina, who made impassioned calls for the search for her brother to continue after his initial disappearance. She was pictured under a hoodie as she prepared for the mourning services. 

Romina Sala was seen under a hoodie as she prepared to attend the wake. © Getty Images / Gustavo Garello

Sala’s aunt, Mirta Taffarel, was also pictured in tears as she spoke to reporters.

Sala's aunt was tearful as she spoke of her family's pain at their loss. © AFP / Juan Mabromata

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock will also attend the memorial services, while thousands of fans are set to offer their support with personal tributes.

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock. © AFP / Juan Mabromata

Locals also paid tribute to Sala. © Getty Images / Gustavo Garello

Sala disappeared while traveling in a Piper Malibu aircraft piloted by David Ibbotson over the English Channel on January 21.

They were returning to the UK from France, here Sala had been bidding farewell to former teammates at Nantes before joining new club Cardiff City.

Sala had signed for Cardiff in a record £15 million (US$19 million) deal just days earlier.

The official search for the plane wreckage was called off after three days, before being relaunched after a private funding campaign. His body was later found and identified.

The body of Ibbotson has yet to be recovered, with efforts called off due to difficulties with weather conditions.

An online campaign is aiming to raise funds to restart the search for the 58-year-old missing pilot.