Christian Atsu: Ghanaian soccer player found dead under earthquake rubble in Turkey
CNN
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Body of Ghanaian soccer star Christian Atsu was found under the rubble on Saturday, according to his agent, nearly two weeks after the earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria.
“It is with the heaviest heart that I must inform all people of good will that the body of Christian Atsu has sadly been found this morning,” said Nana Sechere, Atsu’s representative. tweeted. “My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The body of the Hatayspor player has been found under the rubble of a destroyed building in Antakya, Turkey’s state news channel TRT Haber reported on Saturday.
His body will be sent to Ghana, according to a statement by his club Hatayaspor on Twitter. “Peace be with you, beauty. No words can express our sadness,” the statement added.
Atsu is missing after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing at least 45,513 people, of which at least 39,672 were killed in Turkey, according to new numbers. by Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu.
Soon after, there was confusion as reports from Turkey initially said that Atsu had been found and was in the hospital, but on February 8, Sechere tweeted that it had been brought to light. morning, contrary to reports, that Atsu is still missing.
Before joining Hatayspor last year, Atsu played in the Saudi Pro League for Al Raed FC. He has also represented a number of English clubs, including Chelsea, Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Newcastle United, the team that Atsu played for from 2016 to 2021, made 121 appearances and helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League, tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Christian Atsu was killed in the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
“A talented player and someone special, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters. Rest in peace, Christian.”
Everton said on Twitter that it was “deeply saddened”, while Chelsea said in a declare that the club “sends our sincere condolences to Christian’s family and friends.”
Atsu represented his country 65 times, helping the Black Stars reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final. Although Ghana lost that match to Ivory Coast on penalties, Atsu was honored. named a player of the tournament.
Ghana Football Association sent “Deep condolence” for Atsu’s wife and children.