Christian Atsu, 31, was one of the many casualties from last week's devastating Turkey earthquake that claimed the lives of tens of thousands in the country. Atsu was playing for Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor when it struck last week.
Atsu's body was discovered beneath the rubble of Ronesans Residence, a luxurious 12-story building where he had been staying in Antakya. His agent Murat Uzunmehmet informed reporters in Hatay province that Atsu had perished beneath its rubble.
Ghanaian international Christian Atsuês body has been found
Christian Atsu, an ex-Newcastle United and Chelsea player, has been confirmed dead following the Turkey earthquake that claimed thousands of lives on February 6. The 31-year-old had been missing since that day when a 7.8 magnitude quake rocked Turkey and Syria with thousands killed in its wake.
Atsu was an integral part of Ghana's 2014 World Cup team and scored nine times in their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final loss to Ivory Coast on penalties. He was a regular in the Ghanian side, winning 65 caps and scoring nine times.
Atsu was living in Antakya, Turkey's southern city of Hatay and had been missing since the earthquake. Reports initially indicated he had been rescued; however, subsequent accounts indicated he remained under the rubble.
Atsuês manager Murat Uzunmehmet
On February 6, 31, Atsu was left stranded in a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. Although initial reports suggested he had been rescued the day after the disaster, these proved to be false.
Former Chelsea winger Robin van Persie joined Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor in September and had planned to leave the country hours before the earthquake. However, he decided to stay after scoring the winning goal against Kasimpasa during their Super Lig match on February 5.
Uzunmehmet reported that Atsu's lifeless body had been discovered under rubble in Hatay province of Turkey's south. He added that Atsu's belongings were still being removed from his possessions.
Ghanaian international Atsu had a distinguished career with the Black Stars, earning 65 caps and scoring nine goals. He also represented his country at both 2013 and 2015 African Cup of Nations events. Following four seasons at Chelsea, Atsu made a permanent switch to Newcastle United in 2017.
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Atsuês family have been informed
After the devastating Turkey earthquake, Christian Atsu's family has been informed that his body has been discovered. Atsu, 31, a Ghanaian who played for Chelsea and Newcastle, was an ardent Christian who used his fame to share his faith.
Atsu had recently joined Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor and scored a goal just hours before the earthquake hit. His faith had been an inspiring factor for him; he visited Hillsong Church regularly before leaving Newcastle.
Atsu's manager, Murat Uzunmehmet, informed local media on Saturday that Atsu had been discovered dead under the rubble of his Antakya apartment building. Additionally, Uzunmehmet reported that his phone had also been recovered.
Atsuês agent Nana Sechere
Last week's devastating Turkey earthquake has led to the discovery of ex-Newcastle player Christian Atsu's body. Living in a building that collapsed during its aftermath, Atsu had been reported missing within hours of it occurring.
His career included spells with Chelsea, Newcastle United, Everton and Bournemouth. Additionally, he represented Ghana at international level with 65 caps for the Black Stars; being named player of the tournament at 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Atsu, who had been with Hatayspor since September, was living in Antakya's southern Turkish city with his club's sporting director Taner Savut when the earthquake struck. Both men were trapped beneath the rubble and search teams are still looking for them today.
His agent, Nana Sechere, had appealed for authorities and Hatayspor officials to step up their efforts. But on February 8 and 9, he posted messages on Twitter informing followers that Atsu had yet to be located.
Source: yallashoot
