Former Chelsea winger Christian Atsu passes away at 31 after devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey

Christian Atsu had been missing for 12 days since the Earthquake struck in Turkey and Syria.

Former Chelsea winger Christian Atsu passes away at 31 after devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey

Hatayspor's winger Christian Atsu sadly passed away in Turkey. Image via Twitter.

Christian Atsu, the 31-year-old winger who played for Turkish side Hatayspor was found dead under the rubble twelve days after severe waves of earthquakes rocked Syria and Turkey. The club confirmed his passing away on February 18, paying a tribute on social media. The Ghanaian professional footballer spent 3 years with Premier League club Chelsea. The Hatayspor winger’s body was recovered from under the rubble of his home in Hatay, Southern Turkey.

He had been missing since the earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on February 6 2023.“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble. Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found,” his agent Murat Uzunmehmet confirmed in a statement. Fans and supporters from all over the world shared their condolences, and paid tributes after the news of Christian Atsu emerged.

YouTube video

“Sorry for your loss. The funeral of our football player Christian Atsu, who lost his life under the collapse, 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. Hatayspor paid their tributes on social media.

FS Video

In case you missed:

USWNT legends Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan voice their support for Canadian Women footballers fighting for equal pay

Twitter mourns the loss of Hatayspor winger Christian Atsu

Christian Atsu made only 3 appearances for Turkish side Hatayspor, scoring one goal.

Christian Atsu, who played for Hatayspor, passed away tragically after a double earthquake hit Turkey and Syria just nine hours apart. The news was reported on February 18, 12 days after the earthquake first struck Turkey. The tragic news saddened football fans across the world, who mourned the loss of the Ghanaian international.

“Life is so short and unexpected, treasure every moment. RIP Christian Atsu,” fans took to social media to pay their tribute and remember the Hatayspor winger. “Christian Atsu’s final moment as a footballer, scoring a free-kick in the last minute to win the game for Hatayspor, just hours before the earthquake struck.” Fans tweeted. “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.” His former club Chelsea tweeted.

Atsu made three Turkish Super Lig appearances this season scoring one goal for Hatayspor. Christian Atsu never made an appearance for Chelsea, after they signed him in 2013 for  £3.5 million. He was loaned out several times to clubs like Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Malaga. He completed his move to Newcastle after spending the 2016/17 season on loan with them. Christian Atsu scored a total of 8 goals during his two spells with Newcastle United.

Related Stories: