Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu was discovered dead under his house in southern Turkey after last week’s massive earthquake, according to the ex-Chelsea winger’s Turkish agent.
“Atsu’s dead body was discovered under the rubble,” Murat Uzunmehmet, told reporters from the body’s location.
“Currently, more items are being removed. His phone was also discovered.”
Atsu was scheduled to leave southern Turkey hours before the earthquake, but Hatayspor’s manager said on Friday that the Ghanaian chose to stay with the club after scoring the game-winning goal in a Super Lig match on Feb. 5.
Initial reports claimed that he had been rescued the day after the earthquake, but this proved to be false. Murat Uzunmehmet, his Turkish agent, told a local news agency that his body was discovered in the Turkish southern province of Hatay.
Atsu began his professional career in 2011 with FC Porto before joining Premier League giants Chelsea two years later. While he did not make a league appearance for the club, Atsu had loan spells with Everton, Bournemouth, and Newcastle before joining the Magpies in 2017.
Following the news of Atsu’s death, Newcastle paid tribute to him. “We are heartbroken to learn that Christian Atsu was tragically killed in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes. He will be remembered fondly by our players, staff, and supporters as a talented player and a special person. “Rest in peace, Christian,” Newcastle wrote.
Atsu was signed by Hatayspor in 2022 and scored a goal for the club the day before the earthquake hit Turkey.
Atsu’s body was discovered by search and rescue workers at Ronesans Residence, a block of high-rise luxury flats that collapsed in Antakya city, Hatay.
According to state news agency Anadolu, Turkish police apprehended the building’s contractor at Istanbul airport last week as he appeared to be on his way to Montenegro.
