Christian Atsu’s club, Hatayspor has confirmed his death after being trapped under the rubble of Turkey’s earthquake.
On Saturday, February 18, 2023, Hatayspor issued a statement announcing Atsu’s death and arranging for the player’s body to be transported to Ghana for burial.
Christian Atsu was confirmed dead by the agent in the early hours of Saturday by the rescue team in their ultimate effort to find the player’s whereabouts.
During the search, the winger’s shoe was discovered first, followed by his government-issued passport under the rubble after his apartment building collapsed after 13 days.
However, in a statement released by the Turkish Base club Hatayspor, said Christian Atsu’s body to be sent to his country Ghana after being found dead under the rubble.
“The funeral of our football player Christian Atsu, who lost his life under the rubble (debris), is on his way to be sent to his hometown, Ghana. We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness. REST in PEACE ATSU”
The funeral of our football player Christian Atsu, who lost his life under the rubble ( debris), is on his way to be sent to his hometown, Ghana. We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness.
REST in PEACE ATSU— Hatayspor (@Hatayspor_FK) February 18, 2023
In reacting to his demise, Football players from all over the world, including Wakaso, have expressed their condolences over Atsu’s death.
Following the tragic death of the Ghanaian player, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has also issued a statement, stating that an arrangement is underway to transport Christian Atsu’s body to Ghana as they sent condolences to the family of the late former New Castle star.
In their own words :
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has received the unfortunate news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble of his apartment, following the earthquake which struck Türkiye on 6′ February, 2023. This comes after almost 12 days of tortuous search by a rescue team. The Ghana Embassy in Türkiye which conveyed the sad news, indicates that the body was recovered early this morning, Saturday, 18th February, 2023. The elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an Officer of the Embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered. Government extends to the widow and family of Christian Atsu our deepest condolences. The Embassy is currently making the necessary arrangements with the assistance of the Government of Türkiye to have the body transported to Ghana for burial. The public will be updated on further developments.
Arrangements are underway to transport Christian Atsu's body to Ghana.😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/0kWKsKxYrt
— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) February 18, 2023
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) reacting to the sad news also said ; “The Ghana Football Association has received the sad news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble following the earthquake that struck Southern and Central Turkey on Monday, February 6, 2023. May his Soul Rest In Peace!”
The Ghana Football Association has received the sad news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble following the earthquake that struck Southern and Central Turkey on Monday, February 6, 2023.
May his Soul Rest in Peace! 🖤🕊️
📰: https://t.co/iJ38HQWPtv pic.twitter.com/6gjdkxlvzy
— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 18, 2023
Atsu joined Hatayspor in September 2022 after a season with Saudi Arabian team Al-Raed and scored the winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February. He won 65 caps for Ghana and helped his country reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final where they lost to Ivory Coast on penalties.
SOURCE: www.hellovybes.com
