Former Premier League star Christian Atsu went missing after the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria 12 days ago and his death was confirmed on Saturday morning
Christian Atsu has died aged 31
Christian Atsu has died aged 31, his agent and manager have both confirmed.
The former Premier League footballer, who played for both Newcastle United and Chelsea, went missing following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6. His body has now been discovered and the sad news was confirmed on Saturday morning.
Atsu was reported as missing within hours of the earthquake. He scored a last-minute winner for current club Hatayspor in their home game against Turkish Super Lig rivals Kasimpasa on Sunday, February 5 - just hours before the devastating event unfolded. Atsu joined the Turkish side last September and was in the city of Antakya when the earthquake struck earlier this month. The winger also represented the likes of Porto, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga during his career, as well as playing international football for Ghana.
His agent, Nana Sechere, said: "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."
A number of Turkey's Super Lig sides have also paid tribute.
Hatayspor had initially announced that Atsu was found alive and pulled from the rubble on Tuesday, February 7. Atsu's agent, Nana Sechere, told Mirror Football that his client was plunged from the ninth floor of an 11-storey building following the earthquake.
Sechere was told that Atsu was in the hospital and stable, but had not heard from him. On Wednesday, February 9 Hatayspor announced that he was still missing.
Atsu started his professional career with Porto - where he won the Primeira Liga title - and spent time on loan at fellow Portuguese side Rio Ave. He joined Chelsea in September 2013 but never played a minute for the Premier League club during his four-year spell.
Atsu spent time on loan at Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle before joining the latter club permanently in May 2017. He signed for Saudi Arabian club Al-Raed in July 2021 after his Newcastle contract expired.
Atsu was also an established international. He scored nine goals in 65 outings for Ghana, with the last of those caps coming in 2019. He was part of the Ghana squad that reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 - losing on penalties to the Ivory Coast.
Atsu was the star of the 2015 AFCON. He was named as the Player of the Tournament, in the Team of the Tournament and won the Goal of the Tournament prize. He also represented his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and three other AFCON editions.