The physique of Ghana soccer star Christian Atsu was discovered beneath rubble on Saturday, in response to his agent, nearly two weeks after the earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria.

“It’s with the heaviest of hearts that I’ve to announce to all effectively wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s physique was recovered this morning,” Atsu’s agent Nana Sechere tweeted. “My deepest condolences go to his household and family members.”

The physique of the Hatayspor participant was recovered from beneath the rubble of a destroyed constructing in Antakya, Turkey’s state information channel TRT Haber reported on Saturday.

His physique will likely be despatched to Ghana, in response to an announcement by his membership Hatayaspor on Twitter. “Peace be upon you, lovely particular person. There aren’t any phrases to explain our disappointment,” the assertion added.

Atsu went lacking after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing not less than 45,513 folks, with not less than 39,672 dying in Turkey, in response to the newest quantity given by Turkish Inside Minister Suleyman Soylu.

Within the speedy aftermath, there was confusion as reviews from Turkey initially mentioned that Atsu had been situated and was in a hospital, however on February 8, Sechere tweeted that it had come to mild, opposite to reviews, that Atsu was nonetheless lacking.

Earlier than becoming a member of Hatayspor final 12 months, Atsu had performed within the Saudi Professional League for Al Raed FC. He had additionally represented a number of English golf equipment, together with Chelsea, Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle.

Newcastle United, for whom Atsu performed from 2016 to 2021, making 121 appearances and serving to the membership achieve promotion to the English Premier League, tweeted: “We’re profoundly saddened to be taught that Christian Atsu has tragically misplaced his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes.

“A proficient participant and a particular particular person, he’ll at all times be fondly remembered by our gamers, employees and supporters. Relaxation in peace, Christian.”

Everton mentioned on Twitter that it was “deeply saddened, ” whereas Chelsea mentioned in an announcement that the membership “sends our heartfelt condolences to Christian’s household and mates.”

Atsu represented his nation 65 instances, serving to the Black Stars attain the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations ultimate. Although Ghana misplaced that match to the Ivory Coast on penalties, Atsu was named participant of the match.

Ghana’s Soccer Affiliation despatched its “deepest condolences” to Atsu’s spouse and youngsters.

CNN’s Talia Kayali, Philip Wang and Aimee Lewis contributed to reporting.

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