According to the Turkish foreign ministry, the body of former Ghanaian international player Christian Atsu, who perished in a terrible earthquake in Turkey, was being returned home on Sunday.
On February 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria and killed more than 44,000 people total struck Atsu, age 31.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle player’s body was discovered on Saturday, contrary to original rumours that he had been evacuated the day after the earthquake.
“The remains will be accompanied by his family and Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey on a Turkish airlines flight and will arrive in Accra (Ghana’s capital) at 7:40 p.m. Sunday,” the foreign ministry said.
Atsu’s elder brother and twin sister were at the scene of the rescue when his death was found, the ministry reported on Saturday.
The player’s spouse Marie-Claire Rupio and their three children attended a memorial service at Saint James’ Park on Saturday before Newcastle’s Premier League game against Liverpool.
On February 5, hours before the earthquake hit, Atsu scored the last of his 33 career goals for Hatayspor in Turkey’s Super Lig.
“There are no words to describe our sadness,” tweeted his Turkish top-flight club in homage to him.
“We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person.”
He previously played for his national team the Black Stars and Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said “football has lost one of its finest”.
