The body of Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu has been pulled from the rubble of the devastating earthquake in Turkey following a 12-day search, his agent has confirmed.
The Ghana international had been missing since the building he lived in in Hatay, southern Turkey, collapsed when the earthquake struck the region on February 6.
Atsu, 31, had played for Chelsea and Newcastle in the Premier League.
His club Hatayspor initially reported he was rescued “with injuries” but a day later that position changed.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle winger’s representative, Murat Uzunmehmet, confirmed his body had been found in a statement on Saturday morning, February 18.
“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,” his agent Nana Sechere tweeted on Saturday.
“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.”
“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble. Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found,” he told reporters in Hatay, where Atsu had been playing for Hatayspor.
On Friday, it emerged that Atsu had planned to leave the country to visit family but cancelled his flight after scoring a last-minute winner for his side against Kasimpasa the day before the earthquake.
The death toll across Turkey and Syria has reached 45,000 and is expected to rise further in the coming weeks with many still missing.
More to follow.
