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Greg Evans
Feb 18, 2023
Body of former soccer player Atsu found after earthquake in Turkey
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it has been confirmed that Ghanian footballer Christian Atsu has died after his body was recovered from the rubble from the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria earlier this month.
The ex-Chelsea and Newcastle United winger was now playing for Hatayspor in Antakya, a city in the south of Turkey. The 31-year-old, who had also played for Everton and Bournemouth during his time in England was on a one-year contract with the Super Lig side.
Atsu had been missing since the earthquake struck on February 6th after his body was misidentified and falsely reported to be recovering in hospital.
His agent Nana Sechere confirmed the tragic news of Atsu's passing in a statement on Saturday morning. Sechere wrote: "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 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."
Atsu is now one of 45,000 people who have died as a result of the earthquake. His decorated career saw him play all over Europe including stints in Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands as well as England He briefly played for Al-Raed in Saudi Arabia before joining Hatayspor in September 2022.
In a fitting tribute to the player his final moment as a footballer, scoring a 97th minute winning free kick in Hatayspor's 1-0 victory over Kasimpasa on 5th February has been widely shared on social media with many fans showing their respects.
\u201cChristian Atsu\u2019s final moment as a footballer, scoring a free-kick in the last minute to win the game for Hatayspor, just hours before the earthquake struck. \n\nLife is so short and unexpected, treasure every moment. RIP Christian Atsu \ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\udda4 \u201d— ToonArmy (@ToonArmy) 1676708035
\u201cFormer Black Stars player Christian Atsu final moment as a footballer, scoring a free-kick in the last minute to win the game for Hatayspor, just hours before the earthquake struck in Turkey.\n\nRIP Christian Atsu \ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\udc94\n\nRest well \ud83d\udd4a\u201d— Andydotcom (@Andydotcom) 1676708506
\u201cChristian Atsu\u2019s final moment as a footballer, scoring a free-kick in the last minute to win the game for Hatayspor, just hours before the earthquake struck. \n\nLife is so short and unexpected, treasure every moment. RIP Christian Atsu \ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\udda4\n\n\u201d— DEAN FOOTBALL\u26bd (@DEAN FOOTBALL\u26bd) 1676708353
\u201cChristian Atsu\u2019s final moment as a footballer, scoring a free-kick in the last minute to win the game for Hatayspor, just hours before the earthquake struck. \n\nRIP Christian Atsu \ud83d\ude4f\ud83d\udda4\n\n(\ud83c\udfa5: @beINSPORTS_TR)\n\n#KobbyKyeiSports\u201d— KOBBY KYEI SPORTS (@KOBBY KYEI SPORTS) 1676708653
This was the only goal he ever scored for the club in the four appearances that he made for the side. Atsu also made 65 appearances for his nation, scoring 10 goals helping Ghana finish second at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament where he was also named as the best player.
In a statement, Hatayspor said: " We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness."
Newcastle, the team where he enjoyed the most success in England, including helping them win promotion back to the Premier League in 2017 wrote: "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."
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