Ghanaian Footballer Christian Atsu Found Dead In Turkey Earthquake

The body of former Ghana international footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead after a devastating earthquake in Turkey. Christian Atsu, age 31, was caught up in a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023 killing more than 43,000 people in both countries. There were initial reports that the former Chelsea and Newcastle player had been rescued a day after the earthquake, but these turned out to be false. His manager in Turkey, Murat Uzunmehmet, told DHA news agency on Saturday that his body had been found under the rubble in the Turkish southern province of Hatay.

According to his words; “We have reached his lifeless body. His belongings are still being removed. His phone was also found,” Uzunmehmet told DHA news agency. Ghana’s ministry of foreign affairs said it had “received the unfortunate news. The elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an officer of the Ghanaian embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered,” the ministry said in a statement.

Ghana government said it was working with the Turkish government to organize the transport of the body back to Atsu’s home country of Ghana for burial. The midfielder spent four seasons at Chelsea before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017. He signed last September for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor. Chelsea issued a statement declaring; “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.” Newcastle also paid hommage to “a talented player and a special person”.

The club added; “He will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters. “Initially joining on loan, he played a key role in the Magpies squad that secured the Championship title in 2017 before making a permanent move to help us establish our place back in the Premier League.”

Search and rescue workers found Christian Atsu’s body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence, a block of high-rise luxury flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.

Turkish police arrested the building’s contractor at Istanbul airport last week as he appeared to be heading to Montenegro, according to state news agency Anadolu.

However, tributes has poured out for late Ghanaian international footballer Christian Atsu. Young players and amateur football clubs in Ghana’s capital Accra are reacting after former Ghana international Christian Atsu was found dead, almost two weeks after a devastating earthquake in Turkey. “This is a good soul taken out of the community and taken out of the country,” says Nana Kweku-Ajimai, founder of Ghana project football club.

“Christian Atsu’s good deeds is all out there for people to see. Helping the poor in their communities, in his own village, here in Accra and here in Ghana. Playing for the Black Stars (Ghana national team) and all the things he has done for the club. The motivation he has given people to want to become footballers. So Christian will be remembered for the rest of our lives. He is gone but he is with us in spirit.” Kweku-Ajimai added.

Ghana said it was working with the Turkish government to organise the transport of the body back to Atsu’s home country for burial.

Midfielder Christian Atsu scored the last of his 33 career goals for Hatayspor in Turkey’s Super Lig on February 5, hours before the earthquake struck. “There are no words to describe our sadness,” tweeted his Turkish top-flight club. “We will not forget you, Christian Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person.”

“Initially joining on loan, he played a key role in the Magpies squad that secured the Championship title in 2017 before making a permanent move to help us establish our place back in the Premier League.” On the international stage Christian Atsu earned the first of his 65 senior caps with Ghana in 2012.

At the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations he scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Guinea in the quarter-finals. The Black Stars reached the final, losing on penalties to the Ivory Coast with Christian Atsu picking up both the Player and the Goal of the tournament awards. He was also part of the Ghana squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Search and rescue workers found Atsu’s body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence, a block of high-rise luxury flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.

Turkish police arrested the building’s contractor at Istanbul airport last week as he appeared to be heading to Montenegro, according to state news agency Anadolu.

African football rulers CAF said they mourned “the tragic passing of Christian Atsu” while Ghana’s Football Federation noted “the sad news” had come “after almost two weeks of emotional torture”.

Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo said “football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace”. Born on January 10, 1992, in the coastal town of Ada Foah, Christian Atsu is survived by his wife and three children.

Also, The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed sadness over the now confirmed death of Ghana international player, Christian Atsu. He was one of over 35 thousand reported to have died in the earthquake in Turkey over twelve days ago.

CAF in a statement released on Saturday said: “CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and African Football Family conveys heartfelt condolences to his family and Ghanaian Football Family.”

Christian Atsu had been missing since the 6th February, 2023 earthquake that caused the collapse of his apartment in the city of Hatay. His club Hatayspor initially reported he was rescued “with injuries” but a day later that position changed. His death was confirmed on Saturday by his agent Nana Sechere.

“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,” his agent Nana Sechere tweeted on Saturday. “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.”

Christian Atsu, represented Ghana 65 times, played for a number of clubs including Everton, Chelsea, Newcastle in England and Porto. At the time of his tragic death, he was playing for his new club Hatayspo in Turkey. Tributes have continued to pour in for the former Chelsea ace who died at the age of 31 years. Christian Atsu joined the Turkish top-flight side Hatayspor in September 2022 and scored the winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February, 2023 just a day before his demise. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.