The former player for the Premier League club has been confirmed dead after two weeks under rubles in Turkey
Former Chelsea and Newcastle United midfielder Christian Atsu Twasam has been pronounced dead following an earthquake that happened in Turkey a fortnight ago.
The 31-year-old was initially reported to have been found under the rubles and taken to a hospital few hours after the unfortunate incident but reports later indicated it was a mistake identity.
As a result, some members of his family and his agent Nana Sekyere flew to Turkey to team up with his club in search of him.
Although, some people were found alive earlier this week, which gave hopes to Atsu’s survival, the former Premier League player could not survive.
During the recent search, Atsu’s shoes were the first among other belongings to be found. Later, the search and rescue team found his passport and other belongings which were confirmed to be his by his agent.
He was pronounced dead early hours of Saturday by the Turkish media and an official release is expected from his club and management in the coming hours.
Atsu returned to Europe last year after joining Turkish top-flight side Hatayspor from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Raed as a free agent.
He signed a one-year contract and was in negotiations for a contract extension following an impressive season in the Turkish Super Lig.
Atsu, who was product of Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, began his career in Europe with Porto, also spending a season on loan at Rio Ave. In 2013, he was signed by Chelsea for £3.5 million, who subsequently loaned him to Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Málaga.
After spending the 2016–17 season on loan at Newcastle United, he completed a permanent transfer to the club in May 2017.
A full international with over 60 caps since his debut in 2012, Atsu represented Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
He helped the team finish as runners-up at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, in which he also won Player of the Tournament and Goal of the Tournament.