Christian Atsu: Clubs pay tribute after ex-Newcastle player found dead following Turkey earthquake

Kieran Francis

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Christian Atsu: Clubs pay tribute after ex-Newcastle player found dead following Turkey earthquake image

Former Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu has tragically been found dead following the devastating earthquake that rocked the Turkey and Syrian border region on February 6, his agent has announced.

Atsu's agent, Nana Sechere, said in his confirmation of the tragedy: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly 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."

The 31-year-old had been missing in the days after the earthquake struck Antakya – the city which Atsu's Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor is based in south-eastern Turkey.

Latest reports indicate at least 45,000 people have died in the disaster, with the death toll still expected to rise over the next few days.

Christian Atsu death: Newcastle and Chelsea among clubs paying tribute

Premier League clubs were among those paying tribute to Atsu after the news broke on February 18.

Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle, who Atsu played for during his career, said they were "saddened" by the development.

The Magpies added: "A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters. Rest in peace, Christian."

Another of Atsu's former sides, Chelsea, said they were "devastated" and added: "Our thoughts go out to his family and friends."

Atsu's most recent club, Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor, said: "There are no words to describe our sadness. We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person."

The Ghana Football Association paid tribute and announced that a minute's silence will be held in Atsu's memory at matches it oversees.

Where did the earthquake strike and what strength was it?

The first earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter Scale struck at 4:17am local on Monday morning in the Turkish province of Gaziantep.

An aftershock registering 7.5 hit the region again about nine hours later - only around 80km from the first quake.

South-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, including Aleppo, have been most-affected by the disaster so far.

Shocks were felt as far away as Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel.

Christian Atsu's football career

Atsu scored the winning goal for his last club after coming off the bench in their recent 1-0 win against Kasimpasa.

It was his first goal for the club after joining in September last year from Saudi Arabia's Al-Raed.

After coming through Porto's youth academy as a junior, Atsu joined Chelsea in 2013 but never played a game for the English powerhouse and was loaned out to five clubs, before he joined Newcastle in 2017 after a loan period the season before.

Atsu spent five seasons at Newcastle, scoring eight goals and creating 10 assists in 121 appearances.

The winger won 65 caps and scored nine goals for Ghana between 2012 and 2019 – playing in all three of his nation's matches at World Cup 2014.

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.