Ghana’s foreign affairs ministry has confirmed that Ghanaian football star Christian Atsu has been found dead following a devasting earthquake in Turkey two weeks ago.
Atsu, 31, was caught up in a 7.8-magnitude quake that rocked Turkey and Syria on 6 February, killing more than 43,000 people in both countries.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has received the unfortunate news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble of his apartment, following the earthquake which struck Turkey on 6 February 2023,” the statement of the ministry released on Saturday said.
“This comes after almost 12 days of tortuous search by a rescue team. The Ghana Embassy in Turkey which conveyed the sad news, indicates that the body was recovered early this morning, Saturday 18 February 2023.
“The elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an officer of the embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered. Government extends to the widow and family of Christian Atsu our deepest condolences. The embassy is currently making the necessary arrangements with the assistance of the Government of Turkey to have the body transported to Ghana for burial. The public will be updated on further developments,” the statement ended.
Following the confirmation of the news, clubs and football lovers have been sending their condolences and well wishes to Atsu’s family:
Christian Atsu’s final moment as a footballer, scoring a free-kick in the last minute to win the game for Hatayspor, just hours before the earthquake struck.
Life is so short and unexpected, treasure every moment. RIP Christian Atsu 🙏🖤 pic.twitter.com/7xJT4v7C5I
— ToonArmy (@toonarmy_com) February 18, 2023
Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of our former player, Christian Atsu. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 18, 2023
RIP my friend 💙💔 pic.twitter.com/9JdHBIQilH
— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) February 18, 2023
Başımız sağ olsun.
Göçük altında kalarak hayatını kaybeden futbolcumuz Christian Atsu’nun cenazesi memleketi Gana’ya gönderilmek üzere yola çıkmıştır. Seni unutmayacağız Atsu. Mekanın cennet olsun güzel insan. Üzüntümüzün tarifi yok. Huzur içinde uyu. pic.twitter.com/2CSVfwfEuR
— Hatayspor (@Hatayspor_FK) February 18, 2023
Gone but never forgotten 🙏🏿🙏🏿what a genuine God fearing person ..this is so sad 😞 🥲🥲my condolences to all the family members 🙏🏿🙏🏿 rest well Christian Atsu 🙏🏿🙏🏿🥲🥲 pic.twitter.com/Kw28n3Of7I
— Anthony Baffoe 🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭 (@AnthonyBaffoe) February 18, 2023
Oh he is so wonderful. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/E5vA8eeNuB
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 18, 2023
RIP CHRISTIAN ATSU, May God keep your family safe 🙏 No amount of words will bring you back, rest in peace in the Heart of the Lord🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/eS4o5fCEKT
— Cookie Tee (@TheCookieteeGH) February 18, 2023
RIP Christian Atsu. Deepest condolences to his family, friends and team-mates. https://t.co/294Wb3Rl3K
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) February 18, 2023
Rest well King 🤴💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/HUzyDgYocZ
— Michael Essien® (@MichaelEssien) February 18, 2023
This hurts Champ!
Rest well #ChristianAtsu pic.twitter.com/xucXKPol03
— Zubaida Afua Mabuno Ismail 🌍 (@Dereal_ZAMI) February 18, 2023
Midfielder Atsu scored the last of his 33 career goals for Hatayspor in Turkey’s Super Lig on 5 February, hours before the quake struck.
“There are no words to describe our sadness,” tweeted his Turkish top-flight club. “We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person.”
Earlier in his career he spent four seasons at Chelsea, mostly out on loan, before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017.
Chelsea issued a statement declaring: “It is with enormous sadness that Chelsea Football Club receives the news that Christian Atsu is confirmed as one of the many victims of the dreadful earthquake in Turkey and Syria.”
Newcastle also paid homage to “a talented player and a special person”.
The club added: “He will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.
“Initially joining on loan, he played a key role in the Magpies squad that secured the Championship title in 2017 before making a permanent move to help us establish our place back in the Premier League.”
Atsu won 65 caps for Ghana and helped the Black Stars reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final in Equatorial Guinea where Ghana lost to Ivory Coast on penalties.
Born on January 10, 1992, in the coastal town of Ada Foah Atsu is survived by his wife and three children.
At club level, Atsu played for various European clubs, such as FC Porto, Newcastle United, Everton, and Bournemouth.
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