Christian Atsu found dead after Turkey earthquake

Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the building where he lived in southern Turkey after last week’s massive earthquake, the ex-Chelsea winger’s Turkish agent said.

His club Hatayspor have also paid tribute to their player on social media with the Ghana Embassy in Turkey also confirming the news.

Atsu, who was 31, made 121 appearances for Newcastle and was part of the team which won promotion back to the Premier League in 2017.

Atsu also had loan spells at Everton and Bournemouth while contracted to Chelsea.

“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble,” Atsu’s agent Murat Uzunmehmet told reporters in Hatay, where the athlete’s body was found.

“Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”

Atsu had been scheduled to fly out of southern Turkey hours before the quake, but Hatayspor’s manager said on Friday the Ghanaian opted to stay with the club after scoring the game-winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February.

“We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness. Rest in peace,” his club said.

“We would like to express our deepest condolences to his wife and children, the family, loved ones and the football community,” the Ghana Football Association said.

“Christian Atsu won 65 caps for Ghana and helped the Black Stars reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final in Equatorial Guinea where Ghana lost to Ivory Coast on penalties.

“May his Soul Rest in Peace!”