The body of Christian Atsu, a former Chelsea player, was found in the rubble of the building where he lived in Hatay, southern Turkey, an area heavily affected by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on February 6, his agents announced on Saturday. Murat Uzunmehmet shared the news early this morning in Hatay.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that Christian Atsu’s body was unfortunately recovered this morning. I extend my condolences to his family and friends,” Nana Sechere said on Twitter.
Later, to the Demiroren Haber Ajansi news agency, Uzunmehmet provided more details on recent activity near the Rönesans residence building where Atsu lived: “Atsu’s lifeless body was found in the rubble. Currently, his belongings are being removed. His mobile phone was also found.”
In the first few days after the earthquake in southern Turkey and northern Syria, it was reported that Atsu had been rescued alive and hospitalized, information initially provided by the club’s vice president, but it turned out to be untrue. Atsu played for FC Porto, Rio Ave, Chelsea, Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Málaga, Newcastle, and Al Raed, before transferring to Hatayspor this season.
The earthquake has claimed the lives of more than 43,000 people.