Sport

Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu found dead after Turkey earthquake

The Ghanaian and former Premier League footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the earthquake rubble in Turkey, his agent has said. Atsu, 31, who was playing for Super Lig side Hatayspor after previous spells at Newcastle United and Everton, was falsely reported as having been taken to hospital last week. He had been missing in Antakya since the earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria on 6 February, killing tens of thousands of people. Nana Sechere tweeted: “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. Newcastle paid tribute to their former player on Twitter. “We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes. 

A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters. Rest in peace, Christian.” After spending part of his youth career at Feyenoord’s academy in Ghana, Atsu joined Porto in 2011 before signing for Chelsea two years later for a £3.5m fee. He did not feature for the Blues’ first team and was loaned out to Vitesse, Bournemouth, Everton and Málaga. Atsu enjoyed a successful loan with Newcastle in 2016-17, and signed for the club permanently for £6.2m the following season. He made 75 appearances for the Magpies before joining Saudi Arabia’s Al-Raed and then Hatayspor. On 5 February, Atsu came on as a substitute and scored the winning goal against Kasimpasa, the day before two fatal earthquakes struck south-eastern Turkey. Away from football, Atsu was an ambassador for Arms Around the Child, a children’s charity based in Ghana, South Africa and India that provides homes, protection, education and support for children.

Christian Atsu found dead in the rubble of devastating Turkey earthquake,  agent confirms | Goal.com US

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support. I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.” In a statement, Everton said: “We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at Hatayspor and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives.” A Premier League statement said: “We are deeply saddened by the news Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastation of the earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria. Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian’s family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic event.”

Theguardian

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