
<p>Ghana international Christian Atsu has been found dead in Turkey. </p>



<p>The winger was previously missing for nearly two weeks after an earthquake rocked the nation. Atsu’s agent, <a href="https://twitter.com/iAmNana7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nana Sechere</a>, announced the terrible news on Saturday via Twitter. </p>



<p>“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.”</p>



<p>“I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”</p>



<h5>Winger scored winning goal in final game</h5>



<p>Atsu previously joined Turkish club Hatayspor in September. He scored the winning goal against Kasımpaşa in his final match prior to the earthquake. The club also issued a <a href="https://twitter.com/Hatayspor_FK/status/1626855756761903105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> on Twitter as well. “We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness. REST in PEACE ATSU.”</p>



<p>The 7.8 magnitude earthquake was the deadliest disaster in Turkey’s modern history. Northwestern Syria also experienced devastation as well. In total, there has been over 43,000 confirmed fatalities between the two nations. The total death toll is, however, still rising nearly two weeks later.</p>



<h5>Club VP previously claimed Atsu was found alive</h5>



<p>Previous <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/64552881" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> suggested that Atsu was actually found alive in the rubble. Hatayspor vice president Mustafa Ozat told Turkish radio that the player was “removed from the wreckage” on February 7th. Nevertheless, Atsu’s agent quickly denied the news.</p>



<p>Premier League fans will surely remember Atsu during spells with three different English top flight teams. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> previously bought the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/ghana-national-team-tv-schedule/">Ghanian</a> from Porto in 2013. He also played for Everton and Newcastle as well. In all, he played 80 total Premier League matches between the three clubs.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Action Plus</p>


Ghana international winger Christian Atsu has been found dead nearly two weeks after a major earthquake hit Turkey and Syria.

Ex-Newcastle and Ghana footballer Christian Atsu found dead - World Soccer Talk

Ex-Newcastle and Ghana footballer Christian Atsu found dead


<p>Responders found Ghana international Christian Atsu alive and rescued him from rubble after a massive earthquake in Turkey. The former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> and Newcastle winger now plays with Hatayspor.</p>



<p>Officials reported Atsu missing after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and parts of Syria on Monday. Thousands of buildings in the two countries collapsed, killing over 5,000 people and leaving tens of thousands injured. Freezing winter conditions in the area have also compounded search and rescue missions. It is one of the strongest quakes to hit the region in the last 100 years.</p>



<h2>Christian Atsu rescued after earthquake</h2>



<p>Nevertheless, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/ghana-national-team-tv-schedule/">Ghana Football Association</a> recently revealed some good news on Twitter. “Update: We’ve received some positive news. Christian Atsu has been successfully rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building and is receiving treatment,” the statement read. “Let’s continue to pray for Christian.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome news. 🙏<br><br>Our thoughts remain with Christian, his loved ones and all those affected by Monday&apos;s devastating earthquakes. 🖤🤍 <a href="https://t.co/CHCCR7pAR4">https://t.co/CHCCR7pAR4</a></p>— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1622910711599976449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Hayatspor’s vice president Mustafa Ozat also confirmed the player’s rescue. However, he also announced that the club’s sporting director is still missing. “Christian Atsu was removed from the wreckage with injuries,” Ozat <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/64552881" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> outlet Radyo Gol. “Unfortunately, our sporting director Taner Savut is still under the rubble. Hatay was deeply affected. We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours.”</p>



<h5>Star striker helps disaster relief efforts</h5>



<p>Fenerbahce forward Enner Valencia has also traveled to the affected area to offer help in the earthquake aftermath. The Ecuador international was <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11722417/Enner-Valencia-gives-away-relief-supplies-wake-Turkey-Syria-earthquake.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a local store</a> purchasing air mattresses and tents to help victims of the tragedy. He also tweeted phone numbers to helplines and rescue organizations in cities affected by the quake.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/nsekqiU7ll">pic.twitter.com/nsekqiU7ll</a></p>— EnnerValencia (@EnnerValencia14) <a href="https://twitter.com/EnnerValencia14/status/1622523189854093313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Valencia has lived in Turkey since transferring to Fenerbahce from Mexican club Tigres in the summer of 2020. The 33-year-old striker is currently the Super L<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/turkish-super-lig-tv-schedule/">ig’s</a> top goalscorer with 20 goals in just 18 league matches.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


Ghana international winger Christian Atsu has been rescued from a collapsed building following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

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