The ex-Premier League footballer had been due to leave Turkey on a flight just hours before the 7.8 magnitude quake But he chose to stay at his apartment in Antakya, Hatay, after scoring the winning goal in a Super Lig match on February 5.
The building was one of many to collapse when the disaster struck a few hours later.
The 31-year-old's Turkish agent Murat Uzunmehmet said: "Atsu's lifeless body was found under the rubble.
"His phone was also found." And his London-based agent Nana Sechere also tweeted yesterday: "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." Atsu started his Premier League career with Chelsea, before moving on to Newcastle United and Everton.
This story is from the February 19, 2023 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 19, 2023 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TOP GUNS ARE STILL FIRING!
Rice rifles home the cherry on cake for Arteta's leaders
HAALAND'S UP FOUR IT!
Wolves are put to the sword as Erling has field day
Britain must 'boldly go' to protect itself
BRITAIN can only truly secure its defence by becoming a \"fully fledged space nation\", experts say.
Labour spending millions on time off for union reps
LABOUR councils are spending millions of pounds of taxpayers' cash so trade union reps can take time off to deal with organisational matters.
TV veteran Marr praises Rageh's on-screen bravery
VETERAN broadcaster Andrew Marr has praised ITV newsreader Rageh Omaar for his bravery in carrying on after falling ill live on air.
'Cut migration and build homes to solve rent crisis'
THE cost of renting a home in England has hit a \"crisis point\" but the solution is \"blindingly obvious\", according to former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
The day I found a Cave in the Sun!
JASMINE Harman once found a holiday home in Spain at a rock-bottom price of £14,000 but it was in a cave.
Fearful stores resort to 160,000 shoplifting bans
Frustration at lack of police action despite soaring violence
Cleverly: It's time police bravery was rewarded
RANK-AND-FILE officers who show courage in the line of duty should be honoured with medals, Home Secretary James Cleverly has told the nation's police bosses.
How China is 'guiding' Iran's deadly new drones
IRAN's new kamikaze drones contain Chinese guidance systems, Ministry of Defence scientists have found.
