The 31-year-old went missing nearly two weeks after the February 6 earthquake, with his remains being pulled from the rubble on Saturday, February 18, his agent confirmed.
After Atsu won his last game for his team, he canceled his trip to see his family and joined his teammates in celebration, IIek said.
“Christian Atsu told the coach that he wanted to take more time before our match with Gaziantep FK. ‘Can you leave if you get the team?’ He said. Even Volkan Demirel accepted this request,” he told Radiospor.
“He didn’t play against Gaziantep FK but scored a last minute goal in the Kasimpasa match. He was going abroad to visit his family. But he played well and scored and canceled the ticket. On his happiest day there was an earthquake. He had a flight at 11pm. Canceled the ticket. 4am There was an earthquake at the hour. A total disaster.”
The news of his untimely death has shocked the football world, with many tributes pouring in for the late football star.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway to transport Christian Atsu’s remains home for burial, the Ghanaian embassy said.