Turkey Earthquake: Former Chelsea player Christian Atsu found dead in rubble

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Former Chelsea and Newcastle player Christian Atsu has lost his life in the Turkey Earthquake, his agent confirmed on Saturday (February 18).

Christian Atsu was missing after the Turkey earthquake, an earthquake that decimated Turkey and Syria.

And despite reports coming that the player was found alive a few days ago, it was confirmed soon that Atsu was still missing. And his agent Murat Uzunmehmet has given the devastating news that the player's body was found in the rubble.

"Atsu's lifeless body was found under the rubble. Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found," Murat told Turkish reporters in Hatay, where Atsu had been playing for Hatayspor.

Atsu, 31, was missing since the earthquake hit Turkey on February 6. The building where he lived collapsed on the same day and the player is believed to have passed away after the impact.

Atsu has played for Chelsea and Newcastle United in the Premier League. He was also supposed to leave Turkey to visit his family but cancelled his flight after scoring a last-gasp winner for his club Hatayspor against fellow Turkish club Kasimpasa.

The Ghanaian joined the Turkish club in September of last year and played 4 times for them. He has represented Ghana 45 times, and has played 121 times for Newcastle United. Atsu joined Chelsea in 2013 from Portuguese outfit Porto, but never played any game for the Blues.

The devastating natural disaster has already claimed more than 45,000 lives across the two countries.