Christian Atsu, the former Chelsea and Newcastle winger, has been found dead under the building where he lived in southern Turkey after last week’s massive earthquake.
Previous reports – including information from officials at Hatayspor, the club at which Atsu was playing – had suggested that the 31-year-old had been found alive. Speaking today, however, Atsu’s agent confirmed his death.
“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble,” Murat Uzunmehmet said from Hatay, where Atsu’s body was found. “Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”
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Atsu had 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 Super Lig match on February 5.
Atsu was part of the Newcastle team which won promotion back to the Premier League in 2017 after joining on loan for the season from Chelsea, and later completed a permanent move.