Former Newcastle winger Christian Atsu has died in the recent earthquake in Turkey.
The Ghana international was most recently with Hatayspor and was caught up in the devastating quake that hit parts of Turkey and Syria in the early hours of February 6. The 31-year-old had been reported missing in the aftermath as rescue workers searched for survivors. Reports had emerged that he had been found and taken to hospital, but the player and his club confirmed this week that those were untrue and they were still searching for Atsu.
Tragically, it has now been confirmed that the player’s body was recovered from the rubble of the collapsed building he had previously lived in. More than 42,000 lives have been claimed by the disaster while millions have been left homeless due to the damage done to cities and towns. Hatayspor’s sporting director Taner Savut lived in the same building as Atsu and is still missing.
His agents, Murat Uzunmehemet said: “Atsu's lifeless body was found under the rubble. Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”
The wide man spent five years with Chelsea without making an appearance for the Stamford bridge club. He had loan spells with Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle before joining the Magpies on a permanent basis.
He helped them win promotion back to the Premier League in 2917 under Rafa Benitez and made 121 appearances in black and white before leaving for Al Raed in Saudi Arabia. He signed for Hatayspor last September.
Newcastle paid tribute to their former player on social media, tweeting: "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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