The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has confirmed the demise of Black Stars winger, Christian Atsu.
The body of the 31-year-old Ghanaian player had been missing since the 6 February quake that caused the collapse of his apartment in the city of Hatay, Turkey.
Unfortunately his body was recovered from the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the disastrous incident.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has received the unfortunate news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble of his apartment, following the earthquake which struck Tarkiye on 6th February, 2023. This comes after almost 12 days of tortuous search by a rescue team,” the Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
The Ghana Embassy in Turkey which conveyed the “sad news” to the Ministry indicated that the body was recovered early morning, Saturday, 18th February, 2023.
“The elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an Officer of the Embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered,” the Ministry said.
Government says it is working on bringing his body home to Ghana.
“Government extends to the widow and family of Christian Atsu our deepest condolences.
“The Embassy is currently making the necessary arrangements with the assistance of the Government of Turkiye to have the body transported to Ghana for burial.”
It assured that the public will be updated on further developments.
The player’s agent Nana Sechere had early on tweeted about his death.
“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.”
“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.”
Atsu joined the Turkish top-flight side Hatayspor in September 2022 and scored the winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February.
The quakes and aftershocks in southern Turkey and northern Syria are known to have killed more than 40,000 people.
Read also: Christian Atsu found dead after Turkey earthquake – agent