Former Newcastle United star Christian Atsu, 31, has been confirmed as among those left dead after an earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on February 6th, his agent revealed on Saturday.
The Earthquake, which collapsed his apartment, has claimed the lives of over 40,000 people, left the Ghanaian trapped beneath the rubble, just hours after he had scored a 97th minute winner for Turkish side Hatayspor, who he joined in the summer.
🚀 Christian Atsu’nun, A. Hatayspor’a 90+7. dakikada galibiyeti getiren frikik golü! #HTYvKSP pic.twitter.com/NUMu2fcOJ9
— beIN SPORTS Türkiye (@beINSPORTS_TR) February 5, 2023
Atsu’s agent, Nana Sechere, took to Twitter on Saturday to confirm the news that many feared, explaining that:
“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.”
Atsu spent much of his career in the Premier League, joining Chelsea but never playing a game for the Blues, before being sent out on loan to Bournemouth, Everton and Newcastle.
He also represented Ghana on 60 occasions, and was named player of the tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, in which his side reached the final only to lose on penalties to the Ivory Coast.
“We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes,” Newcastle said in a tweet.
“A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
In pictures
Christian Atsu set up a charity for abandoned, orphaned and trafficked children. He donated thousands of pounds to help destitute prisoners in Ghana, paid for their life-saving operations with little or no publicity. An excellent footballer but even better man. RIP.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) February 18, 2023
Everyone at BT Sport is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Hatayspor’s, Christian Atsu. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
RIP pic.twitter.com/cLb8liK8xn
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 18, 2023
