BREAKING: Christian Atsu found dead in Türkiye

The body of Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, has been recovered from the rubble following the earthquake that struck Southern and Central Türkiye on Monday, Feb. 6.

The news was confirmed on Twitter by the player’s agent, Nana Sechere in the early hours of Saturday, Feb. 18.

“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,” Sechere tweeted.

“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.”

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

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

— Nana Sechere (@iAmNana7) February 18, 2023

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

Atsu’s whereabouts were unknown for more than a week after the magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck on 6 February, there were initial reports that Atsu, who scored the winning goal  for Hatayspor in a Süper Lig match on 5 February, had been rescued from the rubble of the building that is home to 700–1000 people.

The quakes and aftershocks in southern Türkiye and northern Syria are reported to have killed more than 40,000 people.

The 31-year-old joined Chelsea in 2013 and played for three other Premier League clubs. He won 65 caps for Ghana and helped the Black Stars reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final in Equatorial Guinea, where Ghana lost to Ivory Coast on penalties.