Newcastle United co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi has paid tribute to Christian Atsu following his tragic passing. His agent, Nana Sechere, announced on Saturday that the Ghanaian international’s body had been pulled from the rubble of an apartment block.
The 31-year-old had been missing for 11 days since the Turkish-Syrian earthquake decimated the region. Just hours before the tragedy, Atsu had scored a 97th-minute winner for Hatayspor against Kasimpasa.
A statement from his agent read: “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,” a Twitter post read. “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.
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"I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time."
Toon co-owner Ghodoussi expressed how the Newcastle family had “lost one of our own” in an emotional social media post. Atsu was part of the side that secured Premier League promotion under Rafa Benitez in 2016-17.
Ex-Chelsea and England skipper Terry was one of the first to share his condolences to the former Magpies winger on social media. The pair were teammates at Chelsea before his move to Tyneside.
The Premier League also released a statement paying tribute to Atsu once the devastating news broke. As well as Newcastle and Chelsea, he also represented Everton and Bournemouth.
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