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.
We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey's devastating earthquakes.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 18, 2023
A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.
Rest in peace, Christian. 🖤🤍
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.
We are deeply saddened by today's news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month.
— Everton (@Everton) February 18, 2023
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at @Hatayspor_FK and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives. pic.twitter.com/W3mWlMcAuf
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."
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.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 18, 2023
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 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.
— Hatayspor (@Hatayspor_FK) February 18, 2023
REST in PEACE ATSU
The Ghana Football Association paid tribute and announced that a minute's silence will be held in Atsu's memory at matches it oversees.
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.
— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 18, 2023
May his Soul Rest in Peace! 🖤🕊️
📰: https://t.co/iJ38HQWPtv pic.twitter.com/6gjdkxlvzy
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.
Important win for the team
— Christian Atsu (@ChristianAtsu20) February 5, 2023
Happy to be on the scoresheet 🙏 @hatayspor pic.twitter.com/eMhlS0JGWr
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.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Christian Atsu.
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) February 18, 2023
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this awful time. pic.twitter.com/FxIou7m0Cj
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.