Christian Atsu: Football world mourns as Ghanaian footballer is confirmed dead 12 days after being trapped under rubble
Tributes are pouring in for Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu who was confirmed dead on Saturday, February 18, 2023, after being trapped under the rubble of his apartment for 12 days following the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria around 4 am on Monday, February 6, 2023.
The early morning disaster occurred about 12 hours after the Ghanaian footballer gave his team – Hatayspor and fans a reason to celebrate after scoring a late goal for the home team on Sunday, February 5, 2023. His lone goal in the 97th minute gave Hatayspor a 1-0 victory over Kasimpasa in the Turkish Super Lig.
Hatay, where the club is based, is one of the worst hit by the disaster that has now claimed over 45,000 lives.
Atsu’s agent Nana Sechere confirmed that his body was recovered early Saturday morning.
”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,” a statement by Sechere read.
Ghana’s Foreign Ministry said Atsu’s twin sister and brother were present when his body was recovered.
His wife who lives in the UK told BBC that the late footballer lived in the apartment with his teammate, but the unnamed teammate has since been rescued.
Born January 10, 1992, in Ghana, Atsu started his football career playing for Feyenoord in Ghana before moving to Europe to play for FC Porto in Portugal. In 2013, he moved to Chelsea but spent his time as a Blue out on loan at Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga, and Newcastle.
The Ghanaian footballer would later make a permanent move to Newcastle United in 2017 and spent four years with The Magpies. Atsu joined Hatayspor in September 2022 after signing a one-year contract with the Turkish club from Saudi football club Al Raed.
“He signed a one-year contract and had a good game on Sunday,” his wife Claire Rupio told BBC. “He spoke to the children on Saturday morning and that was the last I heard from him.”
In a statement on Saturday, Chelsea said it sends its heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy.
Described by the football world as a talented player and special person, the 31-year-old football star was named Player of the Tournament and received the Goal of the Tournament Award at the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“Christian 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,” a statement by the Ghanaian Football Association read.
Newcastle United said they are “profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes.”
“A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters,” the cub’s statement added.
World football governing body – FIFA, while condoling with Atsu’s family said “we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Christian Atsu.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all those affected by the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.”
He is survived by his wife and three children.
