the Hatayspor footballer died of injuries sustained in the earthquake in Turkey – Corriere.it

Christian Atsu, the Ghanaian striker of Hatayspor, didn’t make it. one of the many victims of the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on 6 February. Rescued after remaining under the rubble then died in hospital. In recent days the story of the 31-year-old player, ex Chelsea, Newcastle and Porto, has gone around the world, becoming one of the symbols of this tragedy.

In her appeal to save him, which dates back to a few days ago, his wife had described an apocalyptic scenario, with relief failing to reach the most affected areas. We want Atsu’s photo sent to all hospitals and rescue centers. Perhaps he came out of the rubble after the earthquake, perhaps now in a coma, unconscious. They may not have recognized him, so if anyone sees him, contact us, we just want to find him, were the words of Atsu’s agent, Murat Uzun Mehmet, who instead would have confirmed the news in these hours. On Twitter, many messages of condolence, citing Turkish agencies as the source of the news.

Furthermore, in recent days there have also been many background stories on Atsu’s adventure at Hatayspor, a team he joined in 2022. It seemed he was going to leave a few weeks ago, because he felt on the sidelines of the project, but a goal scored at Kasimpasa February 5 delayed his departure. The club president, Fatih Ilek, revealed the episode: After scoring the winning goal, he wanted to celebrate. He had a flight booked for 11pm, the ticket was already in hand to return to France to his family but he canceled it and decided to leave the next day. Then, at 4 o’clock there was an earthquake that hit him on his happiest day. It should be remembered that Atsu was initially considered saved and then declared missing again: he was together with hundreds of people still under the rubble of the 12-storey residence where he was staying in Antioch.