Football fans today, sadly, learned that the body of former Chelsea and Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu had been discovered. He becomes another victim of the catastrophic earthquake across Turkey and Syria
Atsu's whereabouts was unknown since February 6th, just a day after he had scored in Hatayspor's 1-0 win against Kasimpasa.
Whilst previous reports had suggested he may have still been alive, it is now confirmed that the Ghanian has passed away at the age of just 31.
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Despite signing for Chelsea in 2013 from Porto, Atsu failed to register a single competitive appearance for the Blues. Instead, he enjoyed serval loan spells away from West London with the likes of Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, Malaga and Bournemouth, prior to signing for the Magpies in 2016.
It was at St. James' Park where Atsu made his name in the English game. In 121 appearances for the club, he helped Newcastle win promotion from the Championship in 2017 and restabilise in the Premier League under Rafa Benitez before leaving for Turkey in 2021.
A popular member of his national team, too, Atsu won 65 appearances for Ghana and was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelsea released a statement this morning which partially read: "It is with enormous sadness that Chelsea Football Club receives the news that Christian Atsu is confirmed as one of the many victims of the dreadful earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
"Chelsea sends our heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy."
Just before the Blues kicked off their miserable defeat to Southampton this afternoon, all players and staff observed a one-minute applause and donned black armbands in tribute to Atsu.
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