Ghanaian winger Atsu’s body found under rubble in Turkey quake: agent

Atsu had been scheduled to fly out of southern Turkey hours before the quake, but Hatayspor’s manager said on Friday the Ghanaian opted to stay with the club.

The 31-year-old secured Hatayspor a 1-0 win over Kasimpasa by scoring only seconds before the final whistle. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the building where he lived in southern Turkey after last week’s massive earthquake, the ex-Chelsea winger’s Turkish agent said.

“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble,” Murat Uzunmehmet told reporters in Hatay, where the athlete’s body was found. “Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”

Atsu had been scheduled to fly out of southern Turkey hours before the quake, but Hatayspor’s manager said on Friday the Ghanaian opted to stay with the club after scoring the game-winning goal in a Feb. 5 Super Lig match. 

“Atsu wanted to play more and asked for permission from his coach to leave if he wasn’t going to get it,” Hatayspor manager Fatih Ilek told a radio channel on Friday.

The 31-year-old secured Hatayspor a 1-0 win over Kasimpasa by scoring only seconds before the final whistle.