World News

Christian Atsu found dead as GFA, EPL, clubs, teammates mourns star

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

Posted on February 18, 2023

Christian Atsu has been found dead after his body was discovered in a pile of crumbled buildings following the devastating earthquake in Turkey.

The 31-year-old had been missing since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that took place in the early hours of the morning of February 6 – but one of his agents has now confirmed his body had been discovered under the rubble.

There had initially been hopes the Ghana international had been rescued, but his club Hatayspor and agent Nana Sechere revealed the claims were not true.

Newcastle United, Chelsea and Everton, teammates, Ghana Football Association have lead the footballing world’s tributes to Christian Atsu.

Sechere confirmed the heartbreaking news that Atsu’s body had been found, with the agent giving his condolences to his family.

“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,” Sechere tweeted.

“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.”

Previously Ghana Football Association released the following statement on their former International player who has been declared missing in Turkey following the horrific earthquake that struck Southern and Central Turkey on Monday, February 6, 2023.

”It’s been days of emotional torture, search and pain yet there is no sign of good news. But we are still optimistic about tomorrow. We urge his club and the Turkish authorities not to give up on the search and also to speed up the rescue efforts for our brother Christian Atsu.

The Ghana Football Association is in constant touch with his agent Nana Sechere, the Turkish Football Federation, the club (Hatayspor) and our High Commission in Istanbul and will not hesitate to update the public if need be.

Following the news of his death today Saturday, February 18, 2023 after his body was recovered from the rubble of a collapsed building, notice is being served for a one minute silence at all GFA organized competitions in honor of Christian Atsu.

The competitions include the betPawa Premier League, the Access Bank Division League, the Women’s FA Cup and all Regional Football Association League matches.

Stakeholders, especially, Match Commissioners and Referees are to take note and act accordingly.

Atsu began his Premier League career with Chelsea, before moving on to Newcastle United and Everton.

Newcastle tweeted out in tribute of Atsu, saying he was ‘a talented player and a special person who will fondly be remembered’.

The tweet read: “We 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.”

Dwight Gayle, who had been a member of the team, gave a touching tribute on social media, highlighting his contribution away from the game.

“My condolences to your family,” Gayle wrote.

“It was a pleasure to share our time together and you was one of the nicest people I’ve met in football from opening schools back home to just having a constant smile day to day.”

“The world needs more people like you and you will be truly missed. RIP brother.”

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given added ‘Terrible sad news about Christian Atsu. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.’

Newcastle held a minute’s silence for Atsu before their match against Liverpool.

‘Rest in peace, Christian.’

Chelsea soon followed up with their own tweet, saying: “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.”

Ex-Chelsea captain John Terry has led tributes from players to Christian Atsu following confirmation of his death in the earthquake in Turkey.

Terry, who captained the Blues at the time of his stay with the club, posted ‘RIP my friend’ following confirmation of the news.

Another member of the Chelsea squad at the time, Michael Essien, posted ‘rest well king’.

Cesc Fabregas and Michy Batshuayi were among other former Chelsea players to offer their tributes.

Batshuayi is currently for Fenerbache in Turkey, with Atsu having played for Hatayspor in the nation’s top division.

Atsu had joined Chelsea after breaking through at Portuguese giants Porto, having also had a loan spell at Rio Ave.

He spent five years at Stamford Bridge but never actually made an appearance for the first team as he spent temporary spells away from the club with Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle.

Atsu made a permanent move to the Magpies in 2016 and was part of their promotion winning campaign in the 2016-17 season under Rafa Benitez.

The winger then went on to make 121 appearances in total over five years for the club, before moving to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Raed.

He joined Hatayspor last September.

Atsu’s former club Everton were among the first Premier League sides to pay tribute.

The Toffees tweeted: “We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month.”

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at Hatayspor_FK and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives.”

Hatayspor confirmed Atsu’s funeral will take place in Ghana, with the Turkish club describing him as a ‘beautiful person’.

“The funeral of our football player Christian Atsu, who lost his life under the rubble ( debris), is on his way to be sent to his hometown, Ghana,” Hatayspor wrote.

“We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness.”

REST in PEACE ATSU.

He had earlier been scheduled to fly out of southern Turkey hours before the quake, but Hatayspor’s manager said on Friday the Ghanaian opted to stay with the club after scoring the game-winning goal in a Super Lig match on February 5.

Atsu was a devout Christian and married his wife Marie-Claire Rupio Atsu in 2012. The couple had three children together – two sons and a daughter.