Former Ghana international Christian Atsu was found dead on Saturday (Feb 18) under the rubble of his home, almost two weeks after a devastating earthquake in Turkey. Atsu, 31, was caught up in a 7.8-magnitude quake that rocked Turkey and Syria on Feb 6, killing more than 40,000 people in both countries.
Footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the Turkey earthquake, his agent has confirmed.
The Ghana international, 31, had spells with Premier League sides Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Atsu had been missing since the Feb 6 quake that caused the collapse of his apartment in Antakya, Hatay.
"There are no words to describe our sadness," tweeted his Turkish top-flight club Hatayspor.
"We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person."
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, confirmed the news on Saturday on Twitter, writing: "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 Ghana Football Association said Atsu's body was recovered on Saturday morning after "almost two weeks of emotional torture".
The Ghanaian foreign ministry added that Atsu's elder brother and twin sister were at the site when his body was recovered.
Atsu's body was flown back to Ghana on Saturday for burial.
The ministry said it sent "deepest condolences to the widow and family".
The earthquake and aftershocks in southern Turkey and northern Syria are known to have killed more than 40,000 people.
On the international stage Atsu earned the first of his 65 senior caps with Ghana in 2012.
At the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations he scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Guinea in the quarter-finals. The Black Stars reached the final, losing on penalties to the Ivory Coast with Atsu picking up both the Player and the Goal of the tournament awards.
He was also part of the Ghana squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
