The tragic death of ex-Premier League footballer Christian Atsu was confirmed this morning, after the Ghanaian striker had been missing since February 6, following the recent earthquake which ad devastated Turkey and Syria.
His agent, Nana Sechere, broke the news on Twitter:
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.
The former Newcastle United and Chelsea winger - the 31-year-old also won 65 caps for his country - was playing in Turkey for Hatayspor, and his final game had come less than 24 hours before the earthquake struck.
The Turkish top flight match was against Kasimpasa, which Hatayspor won 1-0, with Atsu scoring the game winning free-kick in the 90th minute.
"There are no words to describe our sadness," wrote his club on Twitter.
"We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person."
Tributes To Christian Atsu
This was Christian Atsu's final game in his professional football career: 90th minute free-kick to win the game for Hatayspor. Less than 24 hours later, the earthquake happened…
Such devastating news. RIP Atsu. 😢❤️ pic.twitter.com/3mn0eey0XR— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 18, 2023
RIP my friend 💙💔 pic.twitter.com/9JdHBIQilH
— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) February 18, 2023
Christian Atsu set up a charity for abandoned, orphaned and trafficked children. He donated thousands of pounds to help destitute prisoners in Ghana, paid for their life-saving operations with little or no publicity. An excellent footballer but even better man. RIP.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) February 18, 2023
We are deeply saddened by the news Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastation of the earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian's family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic event. pic.twitter.com/GLqXdd80Xl— Premier League (@premierleague) February 18, 2023
The Ghana Football Association has received the sad news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble following the earthquake that struck Southern and Central Turkey on Monday, February 6, 2023.
May his Soul Rest in Peace! 🖤🕊️
📰: https://t.co/iJ38HQWPtv pic.twitter.com/6gjdkxlvzy— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 18, 2023
Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of our former player, Christian Atsu. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 18, 2023
I remember when Christian Atsu came to Ghana two years ago and brought a huge pile of football boots from himself and a few teammates to donate to charity.
He was genuinely a good person who the Ghanaian society will truly miss. This is very painful. pic.twitter.com/8rGw4aGikL— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) February 18, 2023
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Ghanaian broadcaster, Michael Oti Adjei, was speaking with BBC Sport and spoke highly of Atsu's character, and his reputation as a young footballer in Ghana.
"He was always grounded and he had a nice word for everybody.
"He was a lovely person to deal with and was one heck of a player too. He had a very good left foot and played 65 times for Ghana, scoring more than 10 goals. He paid his dues to the national team.
"When he made his debut, there was talk of a nickname of Ghana's Messi. Those who knew him were talking of a young Ghanaian player who could potentially become one of the best African players ever."
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