Christian Atsu found dead after earthquake

By Khulile Thwala

Ghanaian International Footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the Turkiye earthquake.

His agent confirmed on Twitter while his top-flight Turkish football club Hatayspor also issued a statement confirming the sad news.

The Ghana international was previously reported missing following the earthquake, with some reports also suggesting that he had been found alive.

Atsu had been missing since February 6 when the earthquake in Turkiye caused the collapse of his apartment in Antakya, Hatay, Turkiye.

According to BBC News, in the aftermath of the quake, Hatayspor initially reported Atsu had been rescued “with injuries”, but a day later that position changed.

His agent Nana Sechere, who has been in Hatay, in a Twitter post wrote: “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.”

Atsu joined Hatayspor in September 2022 after a season with Saudi Arabian team Al-Raed and scored the winning goal in a Super League match on February 5.

He won 65 caps for Ghana and helped his country reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final where they lost to Ivory Coast on penalties.