Ghanian Footballer Christian Atsu's Body Found In Turkey Quake Rubble

Following the devastating earthquake in Turkey, the body of former Ghanaian international footballer, Christian Atsu was discovered, local media claimed on Saturday, citing his management.

On February 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria killed more than 43,000 people in both countries, including Atsu, 31.

Initial reports that he had been saved a day after the earthquake proved to be untrue.

His body was discovered beneath the debris in the southern Turkish province of Hatay, according to his manager in Turkey, Murat Uzunmehmet, who spoke to news agencies on Saturday.

"We have reached his lifeless body. His belongings are still being removed. His phone was also found," Uzunmehmet told media outlets. 

Midfielder Atsu played for Chelsea for four seasons before moving permanently to Newcastle in 2017. He joined the Turkish Super Lig team Hatayspor in September 2022. 

Atsu's body was discovered by search and rescue personnel at the Ronesans Residence, a high-rise luxury apartment building that collapsed in Antakya city in Hatay, where he was residing.

According to state news agency Anadolu, Turkish authorities detained the building's contractor last week at the airport in Istanbul as he seemed to be travelling to Montenegro.