Body of former Newcastle United footballer Christian Atsu found following Turkey quake After 12th Days
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Christian Atsu, a former football player for Newcastle United, was found dead under the debris of the Turkish residence he called home, according to his agency.
Following the earthquake that has claimed more than 45,000 lives, the Ghanaian athlete was wrongly recognized and incorrectly reported as being hospitalized last week.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that regrettably Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning,” Atsu’s agent Nana Sechere wrote on Twitter. My sincere sympathies are extended to his family and close friends.
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
— Nana Sechere (@iAmNana7) February 18, 2023
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
I’d like to use this chance to express my gratitude to everyone for their prayers and support.
“I beg that everyone would kindly respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time while we make the required arrangements.”
Atsu was a Premier League player for eight years, playing for teams including Chelsea, Bournemouth, Everton, and Newcastle.
He was acquired by Chelsea in 2013 and afterwards loaned to Vitesse of the Netherlands.
On loan from Stamford Bridge, the winger also played for Everton, Bournemouth, and Newcastle. Atsu played in 121 games throughout his Premier League career.
He relocated to Turkey in September and signed a one-year deal with Hatayspor of Antakya.
Atsu was discovered in southern Turkey’s ruins of his home, according to the player’s agent in Turkey, Murat Uzunmehmet.
He stated: “In the debris, Atsu’s lifeless body was discovered. Other things are continuously being removed at this time. Also discovered was his phone.”
Atsu also had a distinguished career at the international level, when he played 65 times for Ghana and scored nine goals.
He represented West Africa at the 2014 World Cup and won the tournament award at the 2015 African Cup of Nations, when Ghana finished as the runners-up.
Atsu originally traveled to Portugal at the age of 17 to seek a career in football and joined Porto the following year.
Marie-Claire Rupio Atsu, his wife, and their three children are his only heirs.
Istanbul team Galatasaray tweeted its condolences to Atsu’s family.
The club wrote: “We are sad to learn that Atakas Hatayspor football player Christian Atsu lost his life in the earthquake that stifled our country.
“Our condolences to Christian Atsu’s family, fans and Hatayspor community.”
FANS REACTION
Rip Christian Atsu… Rest Well man💔💔💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/JEVqdIElkZ
— Nde_alpha (@alpha_nde) February 18, 2023
Just woke up to see the news man this is sad. RIP Christian Atsu.🥹🙏 pic.twitter.com/ueGqSK4WFK
— Orlando (@_starboyorlando) February 18, 2023
Christian Atsu’s final moment as a footballer, scoring a free-kick in the last minute to win the game for Hatayspor, just hours before the earthquake struck.
— ToonArmy (@toonarmy_com) February 18, 2023
Life is so short and unexpected, treasure every moment. RIP Christian Atsu 🙏🖤 pic.twitter.com/7xJT4v7C5I
Awful and tragic. RIP Christian
— Kaya Kaynak (@kayakaynak97) February 18, 2023