Christian Atsu, 31, has died, according to his agent and management. The former Premier League footballer, who played for both Newcastle United and Chelsea, went missing on Monday, February 6, following the deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria. His body was discovered on Saturday morning, and the tragic news was confirmed. Within hours of the earthquake, Atsu was reported missing. On Sunday, February 5, he scored a last-minute winner for current club Hatayspor in their home game against Turkish Super Lig rivals Kasimpasa - just hours before the tragic occurrence. Atsu joined the Turkish side in September and was in Antakya at the time of the earthquake earlier this month. During his career, the winger also played for Porto, Everton, Bournemouth, and Malaga, in addition to representing Ghana at international level. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that regrettably Christian Atsu's body was recovered this morning," his agent, Nana Sechere, stated. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. I'd want to use this moment to express my gratitude to everyone for their prayers and support.
"I urge that everyone please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time while we make the required arrangements."
On Tuesday, February 7, Hatayspor confirmed that Atsu had been found alive and removed from the rubble. Nana Sechere, Atsu's agent, told Mirror Football that his client was thrown from the ninth level of an 11-story building after the earthquake. Sechere had been told that Atsu was in the hospital and in good condition, but he had not heard from him. Hatayspor confirmed on Wednesday, February 9th, that he was still missing.
Atsu began his professional career with Porto, where he won the Primeira Liga, and afterwards spent time on loan with Rio Ave. He joined Chelsea in September 2013 but did not play a single minute for the Premier League club during his four-year stay. Atsu spent time on loan at Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga, and Newcastle before signing a permanent deal with the latter in May 2017. After his contract with Newcastle terminated in July 2021, he joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Raed. Atsu was also a well-known international. He scored nine goals in 65 appearances for Ghana, the last of which came in 2019. He was a member of Ghana's squad that reached the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2015, losing on penalties to Ivory Coast.
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Atsu was the AFCON 2015 standout. He was named the Tournament Player, was a member of the Tournament Team, and received the Tournament Goal reward. He also represented his country in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, as well as three earlier AFCONs.
