Tributes pour in for Christian Atsu after his body was pulled from rubble of Turkey earthquake

The footballing world is mourning the loss of former Chelsea and Newcastle winger Christian Atsu, who has been found dead amid the rubble of the earthquake that has devastated Turkey and Syria.

The Hatayspor winger's body was pulled from under the rubble of his home in Hatay, southern Turkey, 12 days after the earthquake rocked the region, as confirmed by his agent Murat Uzunmehmet in a statement.

The 31-year-old had been missing since his building collapsed when the earthquake struck on February 6.

"Atsu's lifeless body was found under the rubble. Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found," Uzunmehmet told reporters.

Tributes have poured in from all corners after the news of the former Chelsea and Newcastle United player's death emerged.

RIP my friend 💙💔 pic.twitter.com/9JdHBIQilH

— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) February 18, 2023

Başımız sağ olsun.

Göçük altında kalarak hayatını kaybeden futbolcumuz Christian Atsu'nun cenazesi memleketi Gana'ya gönderilmek üzere yola çıkmıştır. Seni unutmayacağız Atsu. Mekanın cennet olsun güzel insan. Üzüntümüzün tarifi yok. Huzur içinde uyu. pic.twitter.com/2CSVfwfEuR

— Hatayspor (@Hatayspor_FK) February 18, 2023

Christian Atsu set up a charity for abandoned, orphaned and trafficked children. He donated thousands of pounds to help destitute prisoners in Ghana, paid for their life-saving operations with little or no publicity. An excellent footballer but even better man. RIP.

— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) February 18, 2023

I remember when Christian Atsu came to Ghana two years ago and brought a huge pile of football boots from himself and a few teammates to donate to charity.

He was genuinely a good person who the Ghanaian society will truly miss. This is very painful. pic.twitter.com/8rGw4aGikL

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) February 18, 2023

Christian Atsu’s final moment as a footballer, scoring a free-kick in the last minute to win the game for Hatayspor, just hours before the earthquake struck.

Life is so short and unexpected, treasure every moment. RIP Christian Atsu 🙏🖤 pic.twitter.com/7xJT4v7C5I

— ToonArmy (@toonarmy_com) February 18, 2023

Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of our former player, Christian Atsu. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 18, 2023

We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey's devastating earthquakes.

A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.

Rest in peace, Christian. 🖤🤍

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 18, 2023

We are deeply saddened by today's news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at @Hatayspor_FK and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives. pic.twitter.com/W3mWlMcAuf

— Everton (@Everton) February 18, 2023

We are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Christian Atsu.

Our thoughts are with Christian’s friends and family, and everyone affected by the awful events in Turkey and Syria. 🙏 https://t.co/diR1fpfZHd

— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) February 18, 2023

The EFL is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Christian Atsu.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.https://t.co/tczfoLu622#EFL pic.twitter.com/YM9Yt1n3zR

— EFL (@EFL) February 18, 2023

We are deeply saddened by the news Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastation of the earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria.
 
Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian's family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic event. pic.twitter.com/GLqXdd80Xl

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 18, 2023

Rest well King 🤴💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/HUzyDgYocZ

— Michael Essien® (@MichaelEssien) February 18, 2023