The physique of former Newcastle United footballer Christian Atsu has been discovered below the rubble of the constructing the place he lived in Turkey, his agent has stated.
The Ghanaian, who performed for Antakya aspect Hatayspor, had been misidentified and falsely reported as hospitalised “with injuries” final week following the earthquake which has killed greater than 45,000 folks.
Atsu’s agent, Nana Sechere, tweeted this morning: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning. My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones.
“I wish to take this chance to thank everybody for his or her prayers and assist.
“I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”
Atsu spent eight years signed to Premier League golf equipment together with Chelsea, Bournemouth, Everton and Newcastle.
He was signed by Chelsea in 2013 earlier than being despatched on mortgage to Dutch membership Vitesse.
The winger performed for Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle throughout mortgage spells from Stamford Bridge. Atsu ended his Premier League profession having made 121 appearances.
Atsu grew to become a fan favorite on Tyneside, making 107 appearances between 2016 and 2021 and scoring eight objectives.
He moved to Newcastle from Chelsea on a everlasting deal for £6.2 million in 2017.
The membership tweeted: “We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes.
“A proficient participant and a particular particular person, he’ll all the time be fondly remembered by our gamers, workers and supporters. Rest in peace, Christian.”
Former Chelsea club captain John Terry tweeted: “RIP my buddy.”
Chelsea FC wrote: “It is with huge unhappiness that Chelsea Football Club receives the information that Christian Atsu is confirmed as one of many many victims of the dreadful earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
“Chelsea sends our heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy.”
Atsu’s Turkey-based agent, Murat Uzunmehmet, informed reporters that Atsu participant was discovered beneath the rubble of his house in southern Turkey.
Read extra:
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He stated: “Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble. Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”
He is survived by spouse Marie-Claire Rupio Atsu and their three kids.
It got here as a toddler was amongst three folks rescued alive from the rubble in southern Turkey this morning, greater than 296 hours after the earthquake, state information company Anadolu reported.
Atsu was scheduled to depart Turkey simply hours earlier than the earthquake, having agreed to affix a brand new membership in France.
But he selected to remain after scoring a stoppage-time winner in Hatayspor’s Super Lig match in opposition to Kasimpasa on the day of the earthquake.
Hatayspor supervisor Fatih Ilek informed Turkish radio yesterday: “Atsu wanted to play more and asked for permission from his coach to leave if he wasn’t going to get it.
“He purchased a ticket to fly to Istanbul, and from there to France. He was going to search for a membership to get extra taking part in time.”
Atsu moved to Turkey last September, signing for the Antakya side on a one-year contract. He lived in the southern Turkish city with Hatayspor’s sporting director Taner Savut, who is still missing.
The club tweeted: “We is not going to overlook you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, stunning particular person. There aren’t any phrases to explain our unhappiness. Rest in peace.”
Atsu additionally loved a embellished profession at worldwide stage, making 65 appearances for Ghana and scoring 9 occasions.
He represented the West African nation on the 2014 World Cup and was named participant of the event on the 2015 African Cup of Nations, by which Ghana had been finalists.
Atsu first moved to Portugal aged 17 to pursue soccer, signing for Porto the identical 12 months.
Istanbul group Galatasaray tweeted its condolences to Atsu’s household.
The membership wrote: “We are sad to learn that Atakas Hatayspor football player Christian Atsu lost his life in the earthquake that stifled our country.
“Our condolences to Christian Atsu’s household, followers and Hatayspor group.”
Source: information.sky.com”