CNN
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ghana football star body Christian Atsu He was found under 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 have to announce to all well-wishers that with sadness the body of Christian Atsu was recovered this morning,” Atsu’s agent Nana Sechere Tweeted. “My deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones.”
Turkey’s state news channel TRT Haber reported on Saturday that the Hatterspor player’s body had been recovered from under the rubble of a destroyed building in Antakya.
His body will be sent to Ghana, according to a statement by his club Hatayspor on Twitter. “Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to express our sorrow.”
Atsu went missing after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing at least 45,513 people, with at least 39,672 in Turkey, according to the latest numbers given by Turkey’s Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu .
In the immediate aftermath, there was confusion as reports from Turkey originally stated that Atsu had been located and was in a hospital, but on 8 February, Sechere tweeted that it came to light that, contrary to reports, Atsu was still missing.
Prior to joining Hatayspor last year, Atsu played for Al Rayed FC in the Saudi Pro League. He also represented several English clubs including Chelsea, Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Newcastle United, for whom Atsu played from 2016 to 2021, making 121 appearances and helping the club gain promotion to the English Premier League, Tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in the devastating earthquakes in Turkey.
“A talented player and a special person, he will always be missed by our players, staff and supporters. Rest in peace, Christian.
Everton said Twitter It was “deeply saddened”, while Chelsea said in a statement that the club “sends our heartfelt 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 on penalties to Ivory Coast, Atsu was named player of the tournament.
Football Federation of Ghana has sent it “deepest condolences” Atsu’s wife and children.