By Victor Kanayo
Ghanaian football Star Christian Atsu has been reported dead days after he was trapped in the recent earthquake incident in Turkey.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle United player has been missing since Monday February 6, 2023 after the disaster which claimed the lives of more than 40,000 people across Turkey and Syria.
But on Saturday morning, his agent Nana Sechere via his Twitter confirmed him dead.
He wrote, “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 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.”
Atsu who played for Hatayspor before his tragic death was one of the star players from the Chelsea academy before heading to Turkey.
The 31-year-old was residing in an apartment in the Hatay city which suffered huge damages during the quake.
Atsu was staying in the building with a number of Hatayspor team-mates and officials. The club’s sporting director Taner Savut is also missing.
Atsu who played for Hatayspor scored the winning in their last match against Kasimpasa on February 5.
The 31-year-old was residing in an apartment in the Hatay city which suffered huge damages during the quake.
His club Hatayspor initially reported he was rescued “with injuries” but a day later that position changed. Nana Sechere, who is in Hatay, said they located Atsu’s “exact room location” and found pairs of his shoes.
The agent also said that thermal imaging cameras had shown signs of “up to five lives” beneath the rubble, but that it had not been possible to confirm those signs.
He added that “things are moving incredibly slow” and they “urgently need more resources, including a translator”, adding that as a result “any rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost.”
Atsu’s partner Claire Rupio had called for equipment to be sent to the collapsed building where he was living.
