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Christian Atsu: Ex-Premier League star, 31, trapped under rubble found dead 12 days after devastating Turkey earthquake

The unfortunate news has been confirmed by Christian Atsu's agent, Nana Sechere, who shared, 'My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones'

ANTAKYA, TURKEY: Ghanaian winger, Christian Atsu, died at the age of 31 after going missing for days following the Turkey-Syria earthquake. The ex-Premier League footballer was reportedly in Turkey's historic city of Antakya when the natural calamity hit on Monday, February 6.

Atsu’s agent, Nana Sechere, confirmed the unfortunate news on Twitter, “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.” He further added, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support."

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Mistakenly announced that Atsu was safe

Earlier, the football club Hatayspor, for which Atsu was playing, wrongly declared that he was found alive after the earthquake, which has claimed the lives of over 40,000 people in southern Turkey and northern Syria. Hatayspor’s vice-president Mustafa Özat had reportedly said, “Christian Atsu was pulled out injured. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble.”

Besides, the Ghana Football Association also issued a statement, which, “We’ve received some positive news that Christian Atsu has been successfully rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building and is receiving treatment. Let’s continue to pray for Christian," as per The Guardian.

At the time, it was also declared that Turkish goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan has lost his life due to the disaster. Yeni Malatyaspor, his club, tweeted, “Our goalkeeper, Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan, lost his life after being under the collapse of the earthquake. Rest in peace. We will not forget you, beautiful person.”

‘We will never forget you’

Meanwhile, tributes have started to flow on social media after Atsu’s death. EuroFoot wrote on Twitter, “It is with upmost sadness that I have to write this tweet. Christian Atsu has sadly passed away after the earthquake in Türkiye, Hatayspor confirm. We will never forget you. RIP.” Ghana Yesu shared, “Ghana should get a particular date and make it holiday to celebrate Christian Atsu. He deserve it.” Posting a video of him, a fan stated, “Absolutely tragic news about Christian Atsu may he rest in peace, here is his last ever goal which was a last minute winner for Hatayspor just hours before the earthquake 💔"

“Oh Christian Atsu, He is so wonderful, When he scores a goal, Oh it's beautiful, Magical. When he runs down the wing he's fast as lightening, It's frightening,... and he makes all the boys sing.... #NUFC #RIP #ATSU 🖤🤍,” another fan expressed. Hasaacas Ladies FC shared, “Everyone at Hasaacas Ladies FC commiserates with the family of Christian Atsu and the entire Ghanaian citizenry. This news comes in as a hard one and we hope Atsu rest well in the bosom of the almighty.” “RIP Christian Atsu . although you are no longer with us in body, your memory lives on in our hearts and minds. We miss you dearly and think of you often. You were loved and appreciated while you were here, and that love and appreciation continues even in your absence. RIP,” a user added.