English football league system, Premier League has mourned a former Chelsea player and a Ghanaian international, Christian Atsu, who passed away in Turkey.
Taking to their official Twitter page, the league wrote; “We are deeply saddened by the news Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastation of the earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian’s family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic event.”
According to Atsu’s manager, local media on Saturday reported that Atsu’s body had been discovered in Turkey following a significant earthquake.
On February 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria and killed more than 43,000 people in each nation, Atsu, 31, was among the casualties.
He wasn’t actually saved the day following the earthquake, despite initial rumors to the contrary.
His manager in Turkey, Murat Uzunmehmet, told DHA news agency on Saturday that his body had been discovered beneath the debris in the province of Hatay in southern Turkey.
“We have reached his lifeless body. His belongings are still being removed. His phone was also found,” Uzunmehmet told DHA.
Ghana’s ministry of foreign affairs said it had “received the unfortunate news”.
“The elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an officer of the (Ghanaian) embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered,” the ministry said in a statement.
Chelsea responded to the news on Saturday by posting on the team’s official Facebook page, saying; “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 also paid hommage, describing the footballer as “a talented player and a special person”.
The club added, “He will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.
“Initially joining on loan, he played a key role in the Magpies squad that secured the Championship title in 2017 before making a permanent move to help us establish our place back in the Premier League.”
Midfielder Atsu played for Chelsea for four seasons before moving permanently to Newcastle in 2017.
He joined Turkish Super Lig team Hatayspor in September.
Atsu’s body was discovered by search and rescue personnel at the Ronesans Residence, a high-rise luxury apartment building that collapsed in Antakya city in Hatay, where he was residing.
According to state news agency Anadolu, Turkish authorities detained the building’s contractor last week at the airport in Istanbul as he seemed to be traveling to Montenegro.
