The agent of Christian Atsu, the former Premier League footballer who was reported missing after Turkey’s earthquake disaster, said his client’s body was found on Saturday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must announce to all well-wishers that Christian Atsu’s body was regrettably recovered this morning,” said Nana Sechere wrote in a tweet. “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.”
The whereabouts of the 31-year-old forward have been unknown for more than 10 days since the February 6 earthquakes devastated southern Turkey and neighboring Syria, killing more than 43,000 people and leaving many more homeless.
Atsu played in Ghana’s World Cup team in 2014. Before joining Hatayspor, his club in the Turkish Super Lig, he also played for Newcastle, Chelsea, Everton and Bournemouth in the Premier League and had a brief stint with Saudi club Al Raed.
The Ghanaian soccer player scored nine goals in 65 games for Ghana between 2012 and 2019. Hours before the tremors hit this month, he scored the winner of Hatayspor’s Super Lig game against Kasimpasa deep in injury time.
Cindy Boren contributed to this report.