The body of Swiss footballer Florijana Ismaili has been found, days after vanishing following a swimming accident at Lake Como in Italy.
The 24-year-old was declared missing on Saturday after jumping into the lake from a boat and failing to resurface.
Italian rescue services said her body was found at a depth of 204 metres on Tuesday.
Ismaili, who made her international debut in 2014, was the captain of BSC Young Boys.
Until the last moment, I still had hoped for a miracle and wished in my heart that everything was just a bad dream.
National women’s team coach Nielsen added: “She always had a smile on her face and inspired us with her happy nature. She was someone who faced every challenge and set the example. I can only imagine what it must be like for all those who knew Flori longer and closer than me. But my thoughts are with them in these difficult times.”
International team-mate Lia Walti, who plays in the WSL for Arsenal, said: “Until the last moment, I still had hoped for a miracle and wished in my heart that everything was just a bad dream.
Another team-mate, Lara Dickenmann, said: “We are all incredibly sad and shocked. it is inconceivable that Flori is no longer with us.”
Gianni Infantino, the president of world football’s governing body Fifa, also paid tribute saying: “This is an extremely sad moment for all the football community, particularly at a time when we gather at the Fifa Women’s World Cup.”
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin added: “Uefa and the European football community is deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Florijana Ismaili.
BBC
