The Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsuformer soccer player for Málaga, Chelsea or Newcastle, has been found lifeless among the rubble caused by the earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale registered on February 6 in the south of Turkeynear the border with Syria.
The player’s agent Nana Secherehas announced the news on social networks: “It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that the body of Christian Atsu was found this morning. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support. I ask that, while we make the necessary arrangements, you all respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”
Following yesterdays update from the club that, Christian had been pulled out alive, we are yet to confirm Christian’s whereabouts. As you can imagine, this continues to be a devastating time for his family and we are doing everything we can to locate Christian. pic.twitter.com/WKteG3l4cp
– Nana Sechere (@iAmNana7) February 8, 2023
Atsu, 31 years old and who was a member of the ranks of the Hatayspor of the Turkish Super League, was buried by the rubble of one of hundreds of buildings collapsed after the earthquake in the city of Hatay, from where two other players and two members of the team’s coaching staff had already been rescued alive.
He Málaga, the Spanish club in which I play, shared a message on Twitter remembering the footballer: We deeply regret the death of Christian Atsu, a Málaga CF player during the 15/16 season. A very strong hug for the family, friends and colleagues from his club, Hatayspor. Rest in peace Christian.
Other athletes, such as the captain of the Turkish handball team, Cemal Kütahya, have also died as a result of the earthquakes, which have claimed the lives of almost 40,000 people in the Ottoman country and 4,000 in Syria.
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