“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu\u2019s 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,” Nana Sechere, an agent for the 31-year-old footballer, stated on Twitter.<\/p>\n
“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble,” Murat Uzunmehmet, Atsu’s Turkish agent, told reporters in the southern province of Hatay, one of the Turkish cities hard hit by the earthquakes last week.<\/p>\n
“Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found,” Uzunmehmet added.<\/p>\n
Noting that Atsu died while under the rubble, his club Atakas Hatayspor said the player’s body was being transferred to his hometown in 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.”<\/p>\n
Ghana’s winger Atsu, who last played for T\u00fcrkiye’s Hatayspor, had been missing since the strong earthquakes hit southern T\u00fcrkiye on Feb. 6.<\/p>\n