Sporting world reacts to Christian Atsu death in Turkey earthquake

The The devastation in Turkey and Syria continueswhere over 45,000 people have now died The earthquake who afflicted the region 11 days ago and many more are still missing. The sports world woke up to this tragic news on Saturday Ghanaian soccer player Christian Atsu, who played for Chelsea, Malaga and Newcastle United among others, was among those whose body was found in the rubble left by the disaster.

Atsu’s agent Murat Uzunmehmet confirmed the sad news in a brief statement on social media early Saturday morning. “Christian Atsu was found and sadly passed away.”

“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble‘ added Uzunmehmet while speaking to reporters in Hatay, where the player’s body was found. “More items are currently being removed. His cell phone was also found.”

Honors are pouring in for Premier League and World Cup star Christian Atsu

After starting his professional career with the Portuguese club postage In 2011, Atsu switched to Premier League and Chelseafrom where he made several loan moves including to everton And newcastle. In 2017, he joined the latter on a permanent basis, moving to the Saudi Arabian side Al-Raed 2021 before joining Turkey’s Süper Lig club Hataysporfor which he was playing at the time of his death.

Atsu had planned to leave southern Turkey just hours before the earthquake, According to his club manager, however, he had decided to stay afterwards scored Hatayspor’s winner against Kasimpasa on 5 February.

The sporting world has begun to pay tribute to the talented Ghanaian who died at the age of 31, with his current and former clubs among the first to post heartfelt messages about their ex-player.

Hatayspor: The funeral of our soccer player Christian Atsu, who lost his life under the rubble, is on its way to his hometown of Ghana. We will not forget you Atsu. Peace be on you beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness. REST in PEACE ATSU.

postage: It is with great sadness that we received the news of the death of Christian Atsu, one of our 2013 champions. Rest in peace. We send our deepest condolences to family and friends, a message we extend to all victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Chelsea: Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the tragic death of our former player Christian Atsu. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

newcastle: We are deeply saddened to learn that Christian Atsu tragically died in the devastating earthquakes in Turkey. He is a talented player and a special person, he will always be remembered by our players, staff and fans. rest in peace christian

everton: We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake that hit Turkey earlier this month. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at Hatayspor and everyone affected by this tragic event that claimed so many lives.

Bournemouth: It is with dismay that we learned of Christian Atsu’s passing. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this terrible time.

Málaga: We are deeply saddened by the loss of Christian Atsu, a Malaga player in the 15/16 season. Our condolences go to his family, friends and teammates at his club Hatayspor. rest in peace christian

Ghana Football Association: 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 06 February 2023. May his soul rest in peace!

Former teammates, rival clubs and Ghanaian prize dent Nana Afuko Addo are among the others who also posted tributes to Atsu:

Hatayspor withdraws from the Turkish Süper Lig

After the devastating earthquake, Hatayspor is one of two teams to have Withdrawn from Turkish Süper Lig 2022–23the other is Gaziantep. Antalyawhere Hatayspor plays their home games, and gaziantep have been two of the hardest hit cities by the natural disaster, with Hatayspor stadium serving as a center for earthquake victims. The Turkish Super Lig will continue without them but both clubs will retain their place in the league for next season.