Body of Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu found after earthquakes in Turkey

18 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The body of Ghanaian soccer player Christian Atsu has been found in the rubble of his home, nearly two weeks after the February 6 earthquakes in southern Turkey, as confirmed by his agent Nana Sechere.

“I have to announce with great regret that, sadly, the body of Christian Atsu has been recovered this morning,” Sechere said through his account on the social network Twitter, in which he has transferred his “deep condolences to his family and beloved”.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support,” he said, before asking for “respect for the family’s privacy during these difficult times.”

For its part, the Hatayspor football club, for which he played, has indicated that the footballer’s body will soon be sent to his hometown in Ghana for funerals. “We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be with you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness”, he pointed out.

The confirmation of the death of Atsu – who previously passed through the ranks of Málaga, Chelsea and Newcastle – comes after the confusion surrounding his alleged rescue, which was announced on February 7 by the club’s vice president, Mustafá Ozar. However, Hatayspor and the player’s agent indicated a day later that they did not know his whereabouts.

Thus, the Hatayspor doctor, Gurbey Kahveci, stated that they had been informed that Atsu had been taken to hospital, but that when they went to see him “he was not there”. The footballer was missing after the earthquake along with the sports director of the Turkish Super League team, Taner Savut.