Christian Atsu was discovered dead under the rubble of his house nearly two weeks after the Turkey earthquake, according to his agent.
The 31-year-old Ghanaian player has spent time with Everton, Chelsea, and Newcastle.
Atsu had been AWOL since the earthquake that destroyed his Antakya, Hatay apartment on February 6th.
“There are no words to express our sorrow,” tweeted Hatayspor, a Turkish premier league club.
“Atsu, we will not forsake you. Peace be upon you, beautiful individual.”
Hatayspor originally reported that Atsu had been rescued “with injuries” in the aftermath of the earthquake, but a day later, this information was revised.
His agent Nana Sechere, who has been in Hatay, verified the news on Twitter on Saturday, writing, “It is with a heavy heart that I inform all well-wishers that Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning.
“I extend my sincerest condolences to his family and cherished ones. I would like to appreciate everyone for their prayers and support at this time.”
According to the Ghana Football Association, Atsu’s body was discovered on Saturday morning after “nearly two weeks of emotional torment.”
It is documented that the earthquake and aftershocks in southern Turkey and northern Syria killed over 40,000 people.
A gifted player and a unique individual.
After a season with Saudi Arabian club Al-Raed, Atsu signed Hatayspor in September 2022 and scored the game-winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February.
He helped Ghana achieve the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final, where they were defeated by the Ivory Coast on penalty kicks. Atsu was eventually named the tournament’s best player.
In a tweet, the Black Stars of Ghana’s national men’s soccer team paid homage to the winger, writing, “You served our Country well, forever in our hearts. Remain in eternal peace.”
He joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013 and had loan stints with Everton, Bournemouth, and others.
In 2016, he helped Newcastle gain promotion to the Premier League from the Championship. In 2017, he was made a permanent member of the club.
“We are profoundly saddened to discover that Christian Atsu tragically perished in the devasting earthquakes in Turkey,” said Newcastle.
Our players, employees, and fans will always hold him in high regard as a talented player and a unique individual.
Everton and Chelsea both expressed “great sadness” at the news.
Michael Oti Adjei, a Ghanaian sports broadcaster, stated, “He was always humble and had a kind remark for everyone.
“He was a wonderful guy to work with and a tremendous athlete. He appeared 65 times for Ghana, scoring more than 10 goals with his left foot. And he fulfilled his obligations to the national squad.
“At the time of his start, there was speculation about a nickname for Ghana’s Messi. Those who knew him referred to him as a young Ghanaian player who could become one of the greatest African players of all time.
