Former English Premier League footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the earthquake in Türkiye.

The 31-year-old Ghana international played with Newcastle United, Everton and Chelsea.

Atsu had been missing since the earthquake that caused the collapse of his apartment in the Turkish city of Antakya on February 6.

His club, Hatayspor, initially reported he had been rescued “with injuries”, but a day later that position changed.

Atsu joined the top-flight Turkish side last September.

“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble,” Atsu’s agent Murat Uzunmehmet told reporters in Hatay.

“Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”

Atsu had been scheduled to fly out of southern Türkiye hours before the earthquake, but Hatayspor’s manager said on Friday the Ghanaian had opted to stay with the club after scoring the winning goal in a match the day before.

“We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness,” Hatayspor said on Twitter.

Newcastle also paid tribute, saying: “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”

Atsu earned 65 caps for Ghana and helped them reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final, where they lost to Ivory Coast on penalties. He was last selected to play for Ghana in 2019.

He joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013 and had several loan spells at clubs including Vitesse and Bournemouth.

“Chelsea sends our heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy,” the London club said.

More than 45,000 people have been killed in the earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria, and the toll is expected to rise further.

Some 264,000 apartments in Türkiye have been destroyed, and many people are still missing after the country’s worst modern disaster.

Reuters