International Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu found dead in Turkey earthquake, Ghana president et al react

The body of former Ghana international Christian Atsu has been found after a huge earthquake in Turkey, local media reported Saturday, quoting his manager.

Atsu, 31, was caught up in a 7.8-magnitude quake that rocked Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing more than 43,000 people in both countries. 

There were initial reports he had been rescued a day after the quake, but these turned out to be false. His manager in Turkey, Murat Uzunmehmet, told DHA news agency on Saturday that his body had been found under the rubble in the Turkish southern province of Hatay. 

"We have reached his lifeless body. His belongings are still being removed. His phone was also found," Uzunmehmet told DHA. 

Midfielder Atsu spent four seasons at Chelsea before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017. 

He signed in September for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor. Search and rescue workers found Atsu's body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence, a block of high-rise luxury flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay. 

Turkish police arrested the building's contractor at Istanbul airport last week as he appeared to be heading to Montenegro, according to state news agency Anadolu.

Everyone reacts to the very sad news:

I extend sincere, heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and family of our fellow Ghanaian, Christian Atsu, on the sad news of his death. Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace. He’ll be sorely missed. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/CqTkEsY4Op

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) February 18, 2023

Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of our former player, Christian Atsu. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 18, 2023

Christian Atsu has been found dead under the rubble of the building where he lived following the Turkey earthquake, his agent has confirmed. pic.twitter.com/vMuF8kes5I

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 18, 2023

Christian Atsu’s final moment as a footballer, scoring a free-kick in the last minute to win the game for Hatayspor, just hours before the earthquake struck:

Christian Atsu’s final moment as a footballer, scoring a free-kick in the last minute to win the game for Hatayspor, just hours before the earthquake struck.

Life is so short and unexpected, treasure every moment. RIP Christian Atsu 🙏🖤 pic.twitter.com/7xJT4v7C5I

— ToonArmy (@toonarmy_com) February 18, 2023

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Christian Atsu.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all those affected by the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria. https://t.co/xzZLVylRQZ

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) February 18, 2023

I remember when Christian Atsu came to Ghana two years ago and brought a huge pile of football boots from himself and a few teammates to donate to charity.

He was genuinely a good person who the Ghanaian society will truly miss. This is very painful. pic.twitter.com/8rGw4aGikL

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) February 18, 2023