Ghanaian professional footballer Christian Atsu has died aged 31, his agent and manager both confirmed on Saturday, the BBC reports.
The former Premier League footballer, who played for both Newcastle United and Chelsea, went missing following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6.
His body has now been discovered and the sad news was confirmed on Saturday morning.
The Ghana international had not been seen since the quake that caused the collapse of the apartment in the city of Hatay in which he was staying.
Hatayspor had initially announced that Atsu was found alive and pulled from the rubble on Tuesday, February 7.
Atsu’s agent, Nana Sechere, told Mirror Football that his client was plunged from the ninth floor of an 11-storey building following the earthquake.
Sechere was told that Atsu was in the hospital and stable, but had not heard from him. On Wednesday, February 9 Hatayspor announced that he was still missing.
His body has now been discovered and the sad news was confirmed on Saturday morning.
Atsu scored a last-minute winner for current club Hatayspor in their home game against Turkish Super Lig rivals Kasimpasa on Sunday, February 5 – just hours before the devastating event unfolded.
Atsu joined the Turkish side last September and was in the city of Antakya when the earthquake struck earlier this month.
The winger also represented the likes of Porto, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga during his career, as well as playing international football for Ghana.
His agent, Nana Sechere, said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning. My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support.
“I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”
Hatayspor tweeted: “Sorry for your loss. The corpse of our football player Christian Atsu, who lost his life under the collapse, is on its way to be sent to his hometown Ghana. We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness. Rest in peace.”
A number of Turkey’s Super Lig sides have also paid tribute.