Status: 02/18/2023 09:35 a.m
The missing Ghanaian soccer professional Christian Atsu has been found dead after the earthquake disaster in the Turkish-Syrian border region.
Christian Atsu went missing after the earthquake disaster in the Turkish-Syrian border region.
Image: Jorge Zapata/dpa
Atsu’s advisor Nana Sechere spread the news on Saturday morning (02/18/2023) on Twitter. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Christian Atsu’s body was unfortunately recovered this morning. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”
Atsu’s Turkish manager Murat Uzunmehmet also spoke to the news agency “DHA news”. “We discovered his lifeless body. His belongings are still being taken out. His phone was also found.” The offensive player’s former clubs such as Chelsea or Newcastle United expressed their condolences.
60-time international
Atsu was 31 years old. He has been under contract with Turkish first division side Hatayspor, a club from the city of Antakya near the Turkish-Syrian border, since September. The day before the disaster, the 60-time international had scored the winning goal for his team against Kasimpasa to make it 1-0.
Atsu previously played for Premier League clubs Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Death toll continues to rise
On Monday last week, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 shook the Turkish-Syrian border area, followed hours later by a second severe earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6. In the meantime, the number of dead in the Turkish-Syrian border area has risen to more than 42,000.
After the earthquake disaster, all sporting events in Turkey were initially canceled. Play in the Turkish league is suspended until the beginning of March.
Source: sportschau.de