Footballer Christian Atsu was found dead under the rubble of his house nearly two weeks after the earthquake in Turkey, his agent has confirmed.
The 31-year-old Ghana international has played for Premier League teams Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle.
Atsu has been missing since the February 6 earthquake caused his apartment in Antakya, Hatay to collapse.
“There are no words to express our sadness,” top Turkish club Hatayspor tweeted.
“We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be with you, beauty.”
After the earthquake, Hatayspor Initial reports Atsu was rescued “with wounds”but one day later that position has changed.
His agent, Nana Sechere, who was in Hatay, confirmed the news on Saturday on Twitter, writing: “I have to announce to all of the wishers that Christian Atsu’s body has sadly passed away. found this morning.
“My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support.”
The Ghana Football Association said Atsu’s body was found Saturday morning after “nearly two weeks of mental torture”.
Earthquakes and aftershocks in southern Turkey and northern Syria are known to have killed more than 40,000 people.
‘A talented player and a special person’
Atsu joined Hatayspor in September 2022 after a season with Saudi side Al-Raed and scored the winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February.
He made 65 caps for Ghana and helped his country reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final, where they lost to Ivory Coast on penalties. Atsu was later named player of the tournament.
In a tweet, Ghana’s Black Starts men’s team paid tribute to the winger, writing: “You have served our Country well, forever in our hearts. rest in peace.”
He joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013 and has had a number of loan spells at clubs including Everton and Bournemouth.
An initial loan spell at Newcastle in 2016, during which he helped the team win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, was made permanent in 2017.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that Christian Atsu was killed in the devastating earthquake in Turkey,” said Newcastle.
“A talented player and someone special, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
Everton said they were “deeply saddened” by the news, while Chelsea said they were “devastated”.
Ghana sports broadcaster Michael Oti Adjei says BBC World Service Sports hours: “He was always grounded and he had nice words for everyone.
“He’s an easy guy to deal with and a good player too. He’s very good left-footed and has played 65 times for Ghana, scoring more than 10 goals. He has given his all for the national team. .
“When he debuted, people talked about Ghana’s Messi nickname. Those who know him are talking about a young Ghanaian player who has the potential to become one of the best African players from so far.”
