Christian Atsu, a former footballer for Chelsea and Newcastle, is having his body shipped back to Ghana.
Following the terrible earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on Saturday, the Ghanaian football player’s body was discovered.
The late former Black Stars star Christian Atsu’s mortal remains will be received in Ghana, according to a statement issued by the country’s foreign ministry on Sunday morning. His family and Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey will travel with the remains on a Turkish Airlines flight, which is scheduled to land in Accra at 7:40 p.m. on February 19, 2023.
Atsu’s sister and brother were there when his body was found, according to the ministry.
His agent announced on Saturday that Atsu’s body had been found beneath the debris. The 31-year-old had been missing since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck early on February 6.
Twelve days after the catastrophe, Murat Uzunmehmet broke the heartbreaking news that Atsu had passed away, telling reporters on Saturday: “Atsu’s lifeless body was located under the wreckage.” Other things are continuously being removed at this time. Also discovered was his phone.
Nana Sechere, another of Atsu’s agents, also made the announcement.
He remarked, “I must inform all well-wishers that regrettably Christian Atsu’s body was retrieved this morning with the hardest of hearts.”
My sincere sympathies are extended to his family and close friends. I’d like to use this chance to express my gratitude to everyone for their prayers and support.
Hatayspor, Atsu’s team, described him as “a beautiful person,” adding that “no words can adequately express our pain.”
‘The funeral of our football player Christian Atsu, who lost his life under the collapse, is on his way to be sent to his hometown Ghana,’ they said on Twitter – as they blacked out their profile picture.
‘We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness. Rest in peace.
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Atsu’s former club Everton were among the first Premier League sides to pay tribute.
‘We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month,’ they said.
‘Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at Hatayspor, and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives.’
Atsu had been scheduled to fly out of southern Turkey hours before the quake, but Hatayspor’s manager said on Friday the Ghanaian opted to stay with the club after scoring the game-winning goal in a Super Lig match on February 5.
