The Ghanaian has been confirmed dead aged 31 after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria caused a catastrophic loss of life

Christian Atsu has been found dead following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

He was 31 years old.

The news was confirmed on Saturday (February 18), with the former Everton winger found 12 days after the earthquake hit the region which has already claimed the lives of more than 45,000 people.

“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,” his agent Nana Sechere tweeted 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.

“I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”

Atsu had been playing his football for Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor and had scored a 97th-minute winner in his previous game for the club on Sunday, February 5 – a day before the earthquake struck.

The team is based in the southern city of Antakya, one of the regions most severely hit by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that has led to catastrophic life in both Turkey and Syria.

The Ghanaian started his professional career at Porto – where he won the top-flight title in 2013 – before making a permanent move to Chelsea in 2013. He was then loaned to Vitesse Arnhem, before a year-long spell with Everton under Roberto Martinez during the 2014-15 season. Atsu made 13 appearances for the Blues in all competitions.

He also had spells with Bournemouth and Newcastle United, spending four years at St James’ Park before a switch to Al Raed in 2021. Atsu signed for Hatayspor in the summer of 2022 and made four appearances for his new club.

Atsu’s international career spanned seven years, making 65 appearances for Ghana and scoring nine goals.