The Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu, who played for the Turkish Super Lig, has been discovered dead amid the earthquake-damaged wreckage.
Following the horrific earthquakes that killed tens of thousands of people in Turkey and Syria on February 6, the 31-year-old Ghanaian was reported missing.
Atsu’s home had experienced seismic tremors, and Mustafa Ozat, a representative for Hatayspor, had previously stated that the footballer had been discovered alive but hurt.
The agent for the Ghanaian, Murat Uzun Memhet, denied this as the hunt for the ex-Newcastle United player went on.
But on Saturday morning, Mehmet, the Turkey-licensed football agent, revealed that Atsu was found dead.
“Christian Atsu found and sadly passed away,” Mehmet shared on Twitter.
Christian Atsu bulundu ve maalesef hayatını kaybetti
— Murat Uzunmehmet (@MuratUzunmehmet) February 18, 2023
Nana Sechere, another agent of Atsu who had earlier confirmed that the Ghana footballer’s whereabouts were still unknown, also confirmed his death.
I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.
— Nana Sechere (@iAmNana7) February 18, 2023
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Atsu played in 258 matches and scored 24 goals.
His last match produced his last goal — an injury-time winner from a long-distance free-kick.