Christian Atsu, a former Premier League star, went missing 12 days ago following the horrific earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and his death was confirmed on Saturday morning.
Christian Atsu has died at the age of 31, according to his agent and manager.
On Monday, February 6, the former Premier League footballer who played for both Newcastle United and Chelsea was reported missing after the terrible earthquake in Turkey and Syria. On Saturday morning, the heartbreaking news was verified that his body had been found.
Just hours following the earthquake, Atsu was reported missing. On Sunday, February 5, he scored the game-winning goal in the final minute of Hatayspor’s home match against Turkish Super Lig rivals Kasimpasa, just hours before the tragic occurrence occurred.
In September of last year, Atsu joined the Turkish side and was in the city of Antakya when the earthquake happened. During his career, he also played for Porto, Everton, Bournemouth, and Malaga, as well as Ghana at the international level.
His representative, Nana Sechere, stated,
“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform all well-wishers that Christian Atsu’s body was found this morning.”
My sincerest sympathies are extended to his family and loved ones. I would want to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this time.
While we make the proper arrangements, I ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy during this extremely painful time.
Hatayspor tweeted:
“I’m sorry to hear about your loss. The funeral of our deceased football player Christian Atsu, who perished in the fall, is on its route to his native Ghana.”
Atsu, we shall not forget you. Peace be upon you, beautiful human. There are no adequate words to express our sorrow. Rest in peace.”
The earthquake in Turkey and Syria has caused over 45,000 fatalities and thousands of injuries. It has destroyed the lives of millions, leaving many without access to water, electricity, or heat during the region’s severely cold winter.
Rescuers continue to comb through the rubble in search of survivors frantically. A Syrian dad shattered his back while attempting to shield his children from a collapsing roof.
“When we were asleep, we opened our eyes, stood up, and the ceiling crashed on us,” Amani, 26, told The Mirror.
“Within seconds, I have no idea how many minutes, the ceiling was on top of us. We attempted to leave but were unable to since the ceiling quickly collapsed on us. We spent four hours shouting and praying under the wreckage, but no one heard us.”
Tuesday, February 7, Hatayspor initially stated that Atsu had been recovered alive from the rubble. Nana Sechere, the agent of Atsu, informed Mirror Football that his client fell from the ninth level of an 11-story building after the earthquake.
Sechere was informed that Atsu was hospitalized and in good condition, but had not heard from him. Hatayspor announced that he was still missing on February 9th. After nine days, the news that everyone feared was confirmed.
Many Turkish Super League clubs have also paid their respects. Trabzonspor stated,
“We have discovered with great regret that Christian Atsu, a football player for Atakas Hatayspor, perished in the earthquake. We extend our condolences to Christian Atsu’s family, friends, and the Atakaş Hatayspor community.”
The Turkish football association stated,
“It is with profound grief that we have discovered that Atakaş Hatayspor football player Christian Atsu perished in the devastating earthquake that shook our country. Our sympathies to the family, relatives, fans, and Hatayspor community of Christian Atsu.”
Additional remembrances are anticipated throughout Saturday.
Atsu began his professional career at Porto, where he won the Primeira Liga championship, before spending time on loan with Rio Ave. Throughout his four-year stint with Chelsea, which began in September 2013, he never played a single minute.
Atsu, dubbed the “Ghanaian Lionel Messi” at the beginning of his career, aimed to emulate the Argentine legend.
In 2012, he told reporters,
“Messi is my idol. There is no Messi from Ghana and no other Messi in the world. I could never play even one percent as well as Messi. “That is not possible.”
Before joining Newcastle permanently in May 2017, Atsu had loan stints with Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga, and Newcastle. He entered the Saudi Arabian club Al-Raed in July 2021, after his contract with Newcastle terminated.
Christian Atsu was also a well-known international player. He scored nine goals in 65 appearances for Ghana, the last of which was in 2019. He was a member of the Ghana squad that reached the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, losing to Ivory Coast on penalties.
Atsu was the star of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. He was named Player of the Tournament, was a member of the Tournament’s Team of the Tournament, and won the Goal of the Tournament prize.
Also, he represented his nation at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and three AFCON tournaments.
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