Tributes pour in after Christian Atsu found dead following Turkey earthquake: ‘A talented player and a special person’

Tributes have poured in after Christian Atsu was found dead almost two weeks after the earthquake that has devastated Turkey and Syria. Atsu, who moved to Hatayspor in September 2022, had been missing since the earthquake struck on February 6, 2023. The 31-year-old’s agent, Nana Sechere, confirmed on social media on Saturday that his body had been recovered in Hatay.

Ad Prior to joining Hatayspor, Atsu spent a year with Saudi Arabian club Al-Raed, and had previously played for Porto, Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle United. He won 65 caps for Ghana. Champions LeaguePotter takes positives from Dortmund defeat — 'We're a team in progress'15/02/2023 AT 23:28 And following his death, the football community has united in paying its respects.

Newcastle, for whom Atsu played for in both the Championship and Premier League, wrote on their Twitter account: “We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey's devastating earthquakes. “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters. “Rest in peace, Christian.” Chelsea, who brought Atsu to English football from Porto in 2013, said in a tweet that the club was «devastated» by the news, adding in a statement on its website that the Blues sent its “heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy”.