The news coming out of Turkey and Syria has been sad as an earthquake claimed the lives of over 46,000 people. Sadly, former Premier League and Ghana international Christian Atsu died as his body was discovered nearly two weeks after the earthquake.
The 31-year-old Atsu had been playing for Hatayspor Kulübü in the top Turkish league. The Antakya-based club withdrew from the Süper Lig due to the earthquake. Hatayspor’s club president had said that Atsu was rescued about a day after the earthquake took place, but Hatayspor’s manager and Atsu’s agent revealed that Atsu was still missing. Sporting director Taner Savut remains missing.
Atsu played for various teams over his 13-season club career. Atsu was a Chelsea player, but never made a non-friendly appearance with the club, as he was loaned out to teams like Everton, Bournemouth, and Newcastle, where he found a home for six seasons, scoring eight goals in 121 appearances.
On the international stage, Atsu played for Ghana for eight seasons, starting all three group stage matches for Ghana in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His greatest achievement on the international side was a runner-up finish at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Many are paying tribute to Atsu this weekend on the news of his tragic death.
Vitesse fans showed love to Christian Atsu with a banner and applause in their game against FC Volendam
Atsu played for the Dutch club in the 2013/14 season https://t.co/eDQLtptlqs — Bortey
(@joelbortey) February 18, 2023
Last kick,Last goal,Last real moment of Joy.
Christian Atsu Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/JHyGAvwiBA
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) February 18, 2023
Was loved at Newcastle once upon a Tyne. Legend in Ghana and charitable man it would seem.
Sad and tragic news.#nufc pic.twitter.com/Bda3T4JPTf— Michael I Perren (@MikePerren) February 18, 2023
[ESPN]
About Phillip Bupp
Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.
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