Ghanaian Soccer Star Christian Atsu Found Dead In Turkish Earthquake Rubble

Photo: Instagram/Christian Atsu

Ghanaian soccer player Christian Atsu, who had played in the English Premier League and at the World Cup, was found dead under rubble following an earthquake in Turkey.

He was 31. Atsu's body was retrieved from the ruins of the building where he lived in Antakya, the Hatay province city that was hardest hit by the earthquake, which has claimed the lives of over 45,000 people in Turkey and Syria.

Atsu had been playing for Hatayspor, a Turkish Super Lig club. He scored a game-winning goal against Kasimpaşa on the day of the earthquake.

Photo: Instagram/Christian Atsu 

Atsu had played for nine different clubs in five other countries before moving to Turkey.

His death has been confirmed by his representatives, prompting sadness from former clubs and global soccer.

Hatayspor said Atsu's body was being transported back to his hometown in Ghana.

Atsu had represented Ghana in over 60 games and had won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Atsu and Hatayspor's sporting director, Taner Savut, were missing for over a week after the earthquake.

The 12-story building where both lived, the Ronesans Rezidans, has been subject to local criticism for its shoddy construction.

Other club employees, Hüseyin Danahaliloğlu, Suzan Berber, and Onur Akdeniz, also died in the earthquake, which continues to take a toll.

Read Next: Michael Jordan's 60th Birthday Celebrated By NBA World: A Legacy That Continues To Inspire

Source: Yahoo Sports
 

Comments

Trending Now

Mike Tyson Explains Viral Jake Paul Slap: 'He Stepped On My Foot'

Katie Taylor Suspended After Controversial Win Over Amanda Serrano

Steph Curry Wants Caitlin Clark, Klay Thompson In All-Star Three-Point Contest

Dwight Howard Wants To Join Thunder After Chet Holmgren’s Injury

Ryan Garcia Plans Return To Boxing In December, Eyes Fight With Jake Paul

Evander Holyfield Reveals The Best Fighter He Ever Faced

Ye Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Copyright Theft In 'Vultures 1'

Prosecutors Say Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Is Trying To Influence Witnesses And The Jury While In Jail

Jon Jones Predicts Gable Steveson Will Become UFC Champion

Jake Paul Challenges Canelo Alvarez: “He Just Wants Money”