Hatayspo's Ghana star Christian Atsu confirmed dead in Turkiye quake

ISTANBUL: Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor's Ghanaian player Christian Atsu is confirmed dead in the devastating earthquake in the country's south, reported the German Press Agency (dpa), quoting his club on Saturday.

Hatayaspor said that Atsu's body was discovered under rubble of a building that collapsed in the February 6 quake.

"The body of our footballer Christian Atsu, who lost his life under the rubble, has been sent to his homeland Ghana," Hatayaspor tweeted.

"We won't forget you, Atsu. May your place be in heaven, beautiful person. Our sorrow is indescribable. Rest in peace."

The Turkish Football Federation tweeted: "We are in deep sorrow to learn Christian Atsu's loss."

State broadcasters TRT quoted his Turkish agent, Murat Uzunmehmet, as saying that teams were retrieving Atsu's belongings, and that the 31-year-old player's phone was found, too.

Atsu's whereabouts had been a mystery for 12 straight days since the quake hit, after early unconfirmed reports that he had been rescued and was at a local hospital.

Atsu died under the rubble of the 250-flat Ronesans Residence in central Hatay. Its contractor was arrested last week in connection with the building's collapse.

Sports teams in the region have been hit hard by the quake with top division Gaziantep FK and Hatayspor having to withdraw from the league.

-- BERNAMA

TAGS: Christian Atsu, football, Hatayaspor, player, Turkiye, earthquake