Following a significant earthquake in Turkey, the body of former Ghanaian international Christian Atsu was discovered, local media claimed on Saturday, citing his management.
According to his manager, local media on Saturday stated that the body of former Ghanaian international Christian Atsu had been discovered following a severe earthquake in Turkey.
On February 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria killed more than 43,000 people in both countries, including Atsu, 31.
Initial rumours that the former Newcastle and Chelsea footballer had been saved a day after the earthquake proved to be untrue.
His body was discovered beneath the debris in the southern Turkish province of Hatay, according to his manager in Turkey, Murat Uzunmehmet, who spoke to DHA news agency on Saturday.
“We have arrived at his dead body. His possessions are still being taken away. Also discovered was his phone, Uzunmehmet informed DHA.
The foreign affairs ministry of Ghana announced that it had “got the tragic news.”
The body was discovered in the presence of Christian Atsu’s older brother, twin sister, and an embassy officer, according to a statement from the ministry.
Ghana stated that it was coordinating with the Turkish authorities to arrange for the return of Atsu’s body for burial in his native country.
Midfielder Atsu played for Chelsea for four seasons before moving permanently to Newcastle in 2017. He committed to Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor last September.
In a statement, Chelsea said: “Christian Atsu is verified as one of the numerous fatalities of the terrible earthquake in Turkey and Syria. This news is received by Chelsea Football Club with immense sympathy.”
Newcastle also paid tribute to “a special person” who was “a talented player.”
He will always be remembered with affection by our players, staff, and supporters, the club continued.
Before making a permanent move to assist us in regaining our Premier League status, he initially joined on loan and played a significant part in the Magpies team that won the Championship in 2017.
Atsu’s body was discovered by search and rescue personnel at the Ronesans Residence, a high-rise luxury apartment building that collapsed in Antakya city in Hatay, where he was residing.
According to state news agency Anadolu, Turkish authorities detained the building’s contractor last week at the airport in Istanbul as he seemed to be travelling to Montenegro.
