The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a statement mourning the tragic demise of Ghana winger Christian Atsu.
Atsu, who had been playing for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor, was missing since earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria on February 6.
The body of former Newcastle United footballer Christian Atsu was found under the rubble of the building where he lived in Turkey, his agent has said.
Atsu also enjoyed a decorated career at international level, making 65 appearances for Ghana and scoring nine times.
He represented the West African nation at the 2014 World Cup and was named player of the tournament at the 2015 African Cup of Nations, in which Ghana were finalists.
Atsu first moved to Portugal aged 17 to pursue football, signing for Porto the same year.
He joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013 and had several loan spells at clubs including Everton and Bournemouth.
An initial loan spell at Newcastle in 2016, in which he helped the team win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, was made permanent in 2017.
Below is the statement from CAF
CAF is saddened by the tragic passing of Ghana international, Christian Atsu following the earthquake in Turkey.
Atsu, who represented his country 65 times, played for a number of clubs including Everton, Chelsea, Newcastle in England and Porto. At the time of his tragic death, he was plying his trade in Turkey for Hataspor.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and African Football Family conveys heartfelt condolences to his family and Ghanian Football Family.
May Christian Atsu’s soul rest in peace!
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