Christian Atsu found dead after Turkish earthquakes

The winger made over 100 appearances for Newcastle United.

Author: Tom FeahenyPublished 18th Feb 2023
Last updated 18th Feb 2023

The Turkish agent of former Newcastle United footballer Christian Atsu says he has been found dead under a building which came down in last week's earthquake in Turkey.

Atsu was 31 years old and had been playing for Hatayspor in the Turkish Süper Lig.

His Turkish agent Murat Uzunmehmet wrote on social media.

While his agent Nana Sechere wrote:

The midfielder played for the likes of Porto, Everton and Málaga, he also made 65 appearances for his country Ghana.

Tributes are being paid to him by fans of the clubs that he played for.

A club statement from Newcastle United said:

"A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters."

He was named the Africa Cup of Nations player of the tournament in 2015 and gained promotion with Newcastle United back to the Premier League in 2017.

More than 40,000 people are known to have died in the the earthquakes and aftershocks in southern Turkey and northern Syria.

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