The football world is in mourning after the body of former Newcastle United player Christian Atsu was discovered under the rubble of the building where he lived in Turkey.
Reports of his death were confirmed by Nana Sechere, one of Atsu’s representatives, on Saturday night [AEDT].
“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 said.
“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.
“I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”
Newcastle United said it was “profoundly saddened” by the news of Atsu’s death, describing him as a “talented player and special person”.
“Our thoughts are with Christian’s loved ones and with the people of Turkey, Syria and neighbouring territories at this incredibly difficult time,” the club added.
Atsu had been missing since earthquakes first hit Turkey and Syria in early February, although there was confusion after false reports he had been discovered in the rubble.
Earlier in the month, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) falsely reported Atsu had “been successfully rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building and is receiving treatment” after the 7.8-magnitude quake struck Turkey and neighbouring Syria.
Atsu’s coach at Turkish club Hatayspor though refuted those reports at the time, insisting the Ghana midfielder had not been found.
“I don’t have good news, still not found under the rubble,” Hatayspor boss Volkan Demirel told AFP at the time.
Atsu spent five seasons at Newcastle, playing more than 100 games before leaving for Saudi Arabia in 2021. He won the last of his 60 Ghana national caps in September 2019.
Atsu, 31, spent four seasons at Chelsea before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017. He signed in September for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor, based in the southern province of Hatay near the epicentre of the quake.
