Audio By Carbonatix
Ghana international, Christian Atsu, has died, according to his club, Hatayspor. He was 31.
Atsu was a victim of the devastating Turkish earthquake that happened on February 6.
The Turkish club confirmed the news mid-morning on Saturday, following earlier submissions to that effect by the player's two agents.
The devastating earthquake in Turkey 12 days ago had left friends and loved ones of the player waiting for positive news about a miraculous escape from the disaster.
However, when Murat Uzunmehmet, the player's Turkish agent, first announced the horrible news at 5:00am Ghana time, it was the start of multiple confirmations of Atsu's demise.
Multiple media outlets in Turkey announced the news, before Mubarak Wakaso, one of the closest friends of Atsu, took to Twitter with a short message saying 'Rest Well'.
Nana Sechere, another of the player's agents who has been the source of verified information on the player's situation with reports from Hatay, then followed up.
"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," Sechere wrote on Twitter.
"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, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time."
Hatayspor, the employer of the Ghana star, then issued its first statement on Atsu since the entire episode began.
"The body of our football player, Christian Atsu, will be sent to his hometown Ghana," the club said.
Meanwhile, Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, in a statement, added more detail to the story.
"The elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an Officer of the Embassy [of Ghana in Turkiye] were present at the site when the body was recovered."
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its President Patrice Motsepe have also released a statement mourning Atsu.
"CAF is saddened by the tragic passing of Ghana international, Christian Atsu following the earthquake in Turkey," the continent's football governing body said.
"CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and African Football Family convey heartfelt condolences to his family and Ghanian Football Family."
Latest Stories
-
Quality, not quantity – Former CJ Sophia Akuffo defends strict legal training standards
2 hours -
Daily Mail royal editor denies seeking Prince Harry flight details
2 hours -
Woman jailed two years for stealing church items at Teshie Barracks
2 hours -
Farmer gets 18 years prison term for defiling 8-year-old girl
2 hours -
Atimpoku fuel contamination: Defence witness admits petrol dispensed to customer mixed with water
3 hours -
Rembrandt painting worth millions rediscovered after 65 years
3 hours -
One of UK’s richest men wants German citizenship over ‘hostility’ to Jews
5 hours -
Bars close and hundreds lose jobs as US firm buys Brewdog in £33m deal
5 hours -
Finland backs Morocco’s autonomy plan as ‘most feasible solution’ to Sahara issue
5 hours -
Limited flights leave UAE but disruption continues amid Iran strikes
5 hours -
Former US diplomat sentenced to life for abusing two girls in Burkina Faso
5 hours -
Man Utd ruled out signing Osimhen ‘because of Afcon’
5 hours -
South African TV personality who planned to take his life dies aged 61
5 hours -
At least 169 people killed in South Sudan ‘surprise’ attack
6 hours -
Anglican divisions deepen as rebel clerics pick rival to first female leader
6 hours
