The soccer world is in mourning this Saturday as it’s been confirmed that Ghana international Christian Atsu is among the dead following a devastating earthquake in Turkey.
The 31-year-old, who was a member of Turkish club Hatayspor, had been missing since his apartment in Antakya, Hatay collapsed during the natural disaster on February 6. Initial reports from the team claimed the player had been rescued but was injured. However, they walked back on the statement the following day.
Atsu’s agent, Nana Sechere, confirmed his body was found on Saturday morning via Twitter.
“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,” the tweet read.
“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.”
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Atsu had stints in the English Premier League with Chelsea and Newcastle before moving to Saudi side Al-Raed in 2021. He joined Hatayspor in 2022.
The Ghana Football Association has also confirmed the worst, noting that the winger’s body was found after “almost two weeks of emotional torture.” The Ghanaian foreign ministry revealed Atsu’s older brother and twin sister were present when his body was recovered.
The quake and the aftershocks that followed in southern Turkey and northern Syria have claimed over 40,000 lives.
TOTALPROSPORTS.com extends our deepest regrets and condolences to Atsu’s family, friends, and loved ones.
Rest In Peace, Christian Atsu. 1992-2023.
