Christian Atsu’s body was found in the rubble after 12 days of searching for the former Premier League player
Despite initial reports of him being alive, Christian Atsu has been found dead after the devastating earthquakes in Turkey.
“We will not forget you, Atsu”
Christian Atsu went missing following the powerful earthquakes in Turkey and parts of Syria on February 6. The former Newcastle United player scored for his side Hatayspor the day before the earthquake happened. It’s been reported that the apartment block he was living in collapsed entirely.
Hatayspor initially reported that he had been found alive but his agent and close friend reported days ago that no contact has been made. His agent went on to say that he and his family were still searching for him.
Hatayaspor has since given an update on Atsu’s situation which bore the unfortunate news of his passing. The club released a statement that read: “The funeral of our football player Christian Atsu, who lost his life under the rubble, is on his way to be sent to his hometown [in] Ghana.
“We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person.
“There are no words to describe our sadness. REST in PEACE ATSU.”
The devastating tremors have taken the lives of over 40,000 as of now, per reports by the local authorities.
Born on 10 January 1992, Atsu began his career in European football at Rio Ave and then Porto. He then joined Chelsea in 2013. Despite being a Chelsea player, Atsu never wore the Blue and was instead loaned out to the likes of Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and finally Newcastle.
After a successful season with Newcastle, he made his deal with the Magpies permanent in 2017. Atsu went on to play in 121 matches for them, scoring 8 goals. He subsequently joined Al Raed and then Hatayspor.
Atsu had 65 caps for Ghana, scoring 10 goals. He represented the nation in the 2014 World Cup and 4 Africa Cup of nations. He helped Ghana reach the final in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Atsu was named Player of the Tournament and won the Goal of the Tournament for his strike against Guinea.
