The 31-year-old has been missing since the February 6 earthquake following the collapse of an apartment building in Hatay.
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Former Chelsea footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead following the devastating earthquake in Turkey, his agent has confirmed. The Ghana international’s body has been found under the building where he lived in southern Turkey. The 31-year-old has been missing since the February 6 earthquake following the collapse of an apartment building in Hatay. The 7.8 magnitude quake destroyed thousands of buildings, killing more than 4,800 people in Turkey and neighbouring Syria. He joined the Turkish club Hatayspor in September 2022 and last played for Ghana in 2019.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning
My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support
— Nana Sechere (@iAmNana7) February 18, 2023
I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.
— Nana Sechere (@iAmNana7) February 18, 2023
His manager in Turkey, Murat Uzunmehmet, told DHA news agency on Saturday that his body has been found under the rubble. “Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble. Currently , more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found” Uzunmehmet told DHA.
Başımız sağ olsun.
Göçük altında kalarak hayatını kaybeden futbolcumuz Christian Atsu’nun cenazesi memleketi Gana’ya gönderilmek üzere yola çıkmıştır. Seni unutmayacağız Atsu. Mekanın cennet olsun güzel insan. Üzüntümüzün tarifi yok. Huzur içinde uyu. pic.twitter.com/2CSVfwfEuR
— Hatayspor (@Hatayspor_FK) February 18, 2023
The Ghanaian started his European journey with Portuguese club FC Porto in 2009, before moving to Premier League outfit Chelsea in 2013. However, the winger struggled to settle in at Stamford Bridge and was sent on loan to five different clubs. And eventually Atsu joined Newcastle United in 2017 following a one-year loan spell at St. James’ Park. He helped the Magpies earn promotion from the EFL championship in the 2016-17 campaign.
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You’re in our thoughts, Christian. 💙 pic.twitter.com/A5g55dGeVs
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 18, 2023
Atsu played 107 games for Newcastle, while scoring 12 goals. And then, in 2021, the attacker was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Raed for a free transfer. Meanwhile, when it comes to the international circuit, Atsu made his debut for the Black Stars in 2012 at the age of just 20, and then went on to achieve 65 international caps, scoring 10 goals.
🖤 Christian Atsu won 65 caps for Ghana and helped the Black Stars reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final in Equatorial Guinea, winning the Player of the tournament. ⭐️
You served our Country well, forever in our hearts. Rest in Peace 💔🕊️@ChristianAtsu20 ❤️ https://t.co/KMWmwDvy18 pic.twitter.com/d9f7XgilSX
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) February 18, 2023
