Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu found dead under rubble in Turkey quake

Tragic news has emerged from southern Turkey, where Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu has been discovered deceased beneath the ruins of his apartment building, which collapsed in the recent earthquake. Atsu, who formerly played for Chelsea, was 31 years old.

According to the player's agents, his lifeless body was recovered in Hatay, where he resided. "Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found," stated Turkish agent Murat Uzunmehmet, speaking to reporters.

The news was further confirmed by Atsu's other agent, Nana Sechere, on Twitter, where he expressed his deepest condolences to the player's family and thanked well-wishers for their support. He also urged the public to respect the family's privacy in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Atsu was due to depart from Turkey shortly before the earthquake occurred but opted to stay with Hatayspor, where he scored the decisive goal in a match on February 5th. The player had only joined Hatayspor in 2020, following stints with Everton, Chelsea, and Newcastle United.

News of Atsu's untimely death has led to an outpouring of grief from his former clubs and the wider football community. Both Hatayspor and Newcastle United shared messages of tribute, with the latter describing Atsu as a "talented player and a special person" who would be deeply missed.

Atsu also represented Ghana on 65 occasions, playing a significant role in the national team's journey to the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2015. His career included a move from Porto to Chelsea in 2013, as well as loan spells at various clubs.

The earthquake, which struck Turkey and Syria, has claimed over 45,000 lives, with many more still missing. The disaster has resulted in the destruction of over 264,000 apartments, making it the most severe catastrophe in modern Turkish history.