CHRISTIAN ATSU scored a last minute free-kick in his final moments as a footballer.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle winger was this morning tragically confirmed to have died aged 31 in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that has devastated Turkey and Syria.
Atsu had been in action for Turkish club Hatayspor the day before the earthquake struck.
And he finished his last match a hero, scoring a 97th minute free-kick in a 1-0 win for his team.
The much-beloved Ghanaian was mobbed by his ecstatic team-mates after providing an amazing moment of genius.
Hatayspor administrative manager Fatih Ilek revealed that Atsu had been due to fly out of Turkey to look for a new club just hours before the earthquake – only to change his mind after his brilliant performance.
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Ilek told a local radio station: “After the match, there was such great unity. Coach Volkan Demirel’s embrace of Atsu, and Atsu’s celebration both on the pitch and later in the dressing room will be forever in my eyes.
“This was his destiny. He had a ticket to go but because he scored, he changed his mind about leaving.
“He was caught in an earthquake on his happiest day. This is literally a tragedy.”
After 12 days of desperately searching for him, Atsu’s manager said his body was tragically discovered buried in the rubble on Saturday.
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“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble,” Murat Uzunmehmet said.
“Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”
Rescue workers found Atsu’s body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence – a 12-storey block of flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.
Hatayspor, who Atsu signed for in September, said his body was being repatriated to Ghana.
In an official statement, the club wrote: “We will never forget you, Atsu.
“Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness.”
Atsu spent four seasons at Chelsea before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017.
He signed in September for Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor.
Several of his team-mates had to be rescued from their homes after the earthquake struck at 4am local time.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
