Sporting world reacts to Christian Atsu death in Turkey earthquake

The devastation continues in Turkey and Syria, where over 45,000 people have now died in the earthquake that struck the region 11 days ago, with many more still missing. The sporting world woke on Saturday to the tragic news that Ghanian soccer player Christian Atsu, who played for Chelsea, Málaga and Newcastle United amongst others, was one of those whose body was found amongst the rubble left by the disaster.

Atsu’s agent, Murat Uzunmehmet, confirmed the sad news in a short statement on social media early on Saturday morning. “Christian Atsu was found and had unfortunately passed away.”

“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble,” Uzunmehmet added when speaking with reporters in Hatay, where the player’s body was found. “Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”

Tributes pour in for Premier League and World Cup star Christian Atsu

After starting his professional career at Portuguese club Porto in 2011, Atsu transferred to the Premier League and Chelsea, from where he made several loan moves, including to Everton and Newcastle. He joined the latter permanently in 2017, leaving for Saudi Arabian side Al Raed in 2021 before signing for Turkish Süper Lig club Hatayspor, for whom he was playing at the time of his death.

Atsu had planned to leave southern Turkey just hours before the earthquake struck, according to his club manager, but had decided to stay after scoring the winning goal for Hatayspor against Kasimpasa on 5 February.

The world of sport has begun to pay tribute to the talented Ghanian, who died at the age of 31, with his current and former clubs amongst the first to post heartfelt messages about their ex-player.

Hatayspor: The funeral of our football player Christian Atsu, who lost his life under the rubble ( debris), is on his way to be sent to his hometown, 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.

Porto: It is with deep regret that we receive the news of the death of Christian Atsu, one of our 2013 champions. May he rest in peace. We send our deepest condolences to family and friends, a message that we extend to all victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Chelsea: 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.

Newcastle: We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes. A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters. Rest in peace, Christian.

Everton: We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at Hatayspor and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives.

Bournemouth: We are saddened to learn of the passing of Christian Atsu. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this awful time.

Málaga: We are deeply saddened by the loss of Christian Atsu, a Málaga player during the 15/16 season. Our condolences to his family, friends and teammates at his club, Hatayspor. Rest in peace, Christian.

Ghana Football Association: The Ghana Football Association has received the sad news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble following the earthquake that struck Southern and Central Turkey on Monday, February 6, 2023. May his Soul Rest in Peace!

Former teammates, rival clubs and Ghanian preisdent Nana Afuko-Addo are amongst the others who have also posted tributes to Atsu:

Hatayspor withdraw from Turkish Süper Lig

Following the devastating earthquake, Hatayspor are one of two teams to have withdrawn from the 2022-23 Turkish Süper Lig, the other being Gaziantep. Antakya, where Hatayspor play their home games, and Gaziantep have been two of the most affected cities by the natural disaster, with Hatayspor’s stadium serving as a centre for earthquake victims. The Turkish Super Lig will continue without them but both clubs will keep their place in the league for next season.