Contrary to earlier reports, the former Chelsea and Newcastle star, Christian Atsu died in earthquake rubble in Turkey after he was not seen for more than 10 days.
The Ghanaian footballer, who played for Hatayspor before his tragic death, was one of the star players from the Chelsea academy before heading to Turkey.
Speaking to Radyo Gol, the club’s vice president Mustafa Özat had earlier confirmed, ‘Christian Atsu was taken out with injuries. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble.’
Also read: Ghanaian Footballer Rescued from Turkey Quake Rubble
The 31-year-old was residing in an apartment in Hatay city which suffered huge damages during the quake.
His club Hatayspor initially reported he was rescued “with injuries” but a day later that position changed.
The news of his death was confirmed by his agent in Turkey, Murat Uzunmehmet.
“Christian Atsu was found and had unfortunately passed away,” he said through a brief statement on social media.
Atsu was staying in a building with a number of Hatayspor team-mates and officials. The club’s sporting director Taner Savut is also missing.
Atsu scored late in injury time to give Hatayspor a 1-0 win over Istanblul-based Kasimpaşa S.K. in the Turkish league on February 5, earning him praise from his new club, hours before the earthquake struck.
Some survivors are still being rescued after the quakes and aftershocks in southern Turkey and northern Syria that are known to have killed more than 40,000 people.
Atsu who previously played for English clubs Chelsea and Newcastle, signed for Hatayspor late last year.
The club is based in Antakya, near the epicenter of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck in the early hours of February 6, one of two major earthquakes, along with ensuing aftershocks that devastated southern Turkey and northern Syria.
