Hope dwindled more and more, now there is sad certainty: Former Chelsea FC player Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastating earthquake in Turkey. He was only 31 years old.
Advisor Nana Sechere confirmed his client’s death via Twitter: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce to all supporters that Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning. 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 was under contract with FC Porto, Chelsea FC and Newcastle United, among others. He played 60 international matches for the Ghana national team.
The offensive player was now under contract with the Turkish first division club Hatayspor and has been missing since the severe earthquake. Atsu’s body has now been found in the rubble of the collapsed 12-story Ronesans Residence in Antakya, in Hatay Province, which was particularly badly hit by the quake.
The collapse of the building had caused particular outrage. Because: The luxury complex was built in 2013. At that time, the Turkish authorities had already issued significantly stricter building regulations. Buildings should be better protected after the 1999 earthquake that killed 17,000 people.
Four days after the quake, Turkish police arrested the building contractor Mehmet Yasar Coskun at Istanbul Airport when he tried to flee to Montenegro.
Recently there had been confusion about the former kicker of the top English club Chelsea. On Monday, multiple media outlets reported that Atsu was recovered alive and taken to a hospital. But doubts quickly arose about these reports. Hatayspor’s coach Volkan Demirel (41) told the Turkish “Hürriyet” about Atsu and another Hatayspor employee: “Please don’t write that he survived without being sure that he survived.”
