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    ‘I didn’t know how to tell my kids he was gone’, says Christian Atsu’s fiancee after ex-Newcastle ace’s tragic death

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    CHRISTIAN ATSU’S fiancee has opened up on the heartbreak of dealing with the death of the former Premier League star.Atsu, who had previously played for Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton in England, was starring for Hatayspor in Turkey when an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck on February 6 2023.
    Christian Atsu tragically lost his life in the Turkish earthquake last yearCredit: PA
    The 7.8 magnitude quakes hit an area of 140,000 square milesCredit: Getty
    Atsu’s wife Claire Rupio has now opened up on what life has been like since thenCredit: Twitter/X
    The apartment building Atsu was in collapsed before a second earthquake of equal strength hit hours later, hitting an area of 140,000 square miles across southern Turkey and Syria, killing at least 60,000 people.
    After a desperate 12-day search, Hatayspor manager Murat Uzunmehmet announced Atsu’s body had been found in the rubble.
    One year on from the tragedy, Atsu’s fiancee and mother of their three kids Claire Rupio has now opened up on the tragedy and how it has impacted their lives since.
    The day before the earthquake Atsu had scored a late winner for Hatayspor, with Claire detailing how he had called the family in their Newcastle home before the game.
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    Speaking to The Athletic, she said: “He’d called the kids before the game. Then after the game we’d spoken to congratulate him on the goal.
    “It was just normal, he was supposed to call on Monday, but he didn’t.”
    The next call Claire received was from Atsu’s twin sister Christiana Atsupie Twasam, who herself had been informed of the news by Atsu’s close friend and agent Nana Sechere.
    Claire said: “I heard it on the radio first when I was driving them to school and I thought it’s Turkey, but he’ll be fine, nothing will happen to him, that would be absurd.
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    “Then I saw a lot of missed calls from Christiana after I’d dropped the kids and I thought, ‘What’s happening?’
    “I called her back and she said, ‘His building has collapsed’. I was in shock, I thought, ‘That can’t be true’. I had to take the children out of school before it finished; I didn’t want them to hear it from anybody else.
    Christian Atsu scored incredible goal just hours before ex-Chelsea and Newcastle player reported missing in Turkey earthquake
    “I told them there had been an earthquake where Daddy was playing and they haven’t found him yet. They deserved the respect to know everything. They were very upset and crying. I tried to stay positive and tell them he will be fine.”
    Hope came through when reports – confirmed by the Ghana FA and a Hatayspor official – said Atsu had been rescued and was in hospital. But this would prove not to be the case.
    Nana explained: “I spoke to someone I trusted who said he hadn’t seen Christian and had been to the hospitals. That’s when alarm bells started to ring.”
    Nana and Christiana had both joined the search for Atsu in Turkey along with older brother Isaac and close friend Katalin Comoe, where they tragically confirmed he had been killed.
    In the middle of the night they received a call, with Nana, accompanied to the site by Isaac, saying: “They had found a body they strongly thought was Christian.
    “Two officials took us to a body bag lying on the floor,” he says. “We had seen so many, that even before they were opened (we knew they) weren’t the right shape or size for Christian.
    “But I could tell by the shape of it that it was Christian. We saw him and we broke down.”
    He then called Claire to inform her, with Claire saying: “It was around 3am on Saturday, and when I saw Nana’s name come up on my phone I knew: this is it.
    “I picked up and he was just crying. He said, ‘I’m so sorry’, and he couldn’t say anything more.
    “I needed to figure out how I was going to tell my kids that their dad is gone. It was terrible, there was so much going through my mind.”
    Atsu’s body was found after 12 days of searchingCredit: Splash
    The earthquake’s tragically killed at least 60,000Credit: Getty
    After taking them to football practice, Claire then revealed how she broke the news to Joshua (nine), Godwin (six) and Abigail (three).
    She said: “I told them, ‘They have found your dad, but he didn’t make it’. It’s something I wish no parent has to do.
    “It was heartbreaking, he was everything to them. Losing anyone is difficult, but we couldn’t even say goodbye.”
    Atsu’s body was flown back to Ghana for the funeral in the capital city of Accra, where he was given a military guard of honour.
    Claire attended with the children, and said of the funeral: “There was so much support and love showed to him.
    “There were people with his face on T-shirts and everyone was very welcoming. I love the culture and how they celebrate (someone’s life) with dancing and singing.”
    Atsu’s body lay in state for the public to pay their respects.
    Claire added: “I didn’t want the kids to have that as the last image of him and they respected that, so we walked past with our heads down. I couldn’t really process it; I just went through it.”
    She continued: “When people say, ‘How are you coping?’ I don’t cope. I just survive every day. Mentally, you’re fine for a few days, maybe a week, but then lots of emotion comes.
    “Sometimes I message Christian on WhatsApp — I just need to let it out. ‘Why are you not here?’ or maybe one of the kids needs him.”
    Atsu would have celebrated his 32nd birthday on January 10, with the month proving to be “very emotional” for Claire.
    The same goes for Christiana, who says she broke down on a visit to Chester.
    She said: “I went to Chester. But I broke down there. He was not there.
    “I know grieving has five stages, but I don’t know where I am at the moment. Sometimes I’m in denial, sometimes acceptance, it fluctuates and I feel like I’m not progressing.
    “I’ve lost my mum and my dad, but Christian leaving has had more impact on me than anything.”
    Atsu’s charitable work in Ghana is being commemorated in March with the Christian Atsu Memorial Foundation.
    He had built a school and was funding a number of other projects.
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    There are other plans to honour his legacy too, with Nana saying: “I want to do that through football.
    “I want to make sure his name is not forgotten and it’s kept alive in Ghana and beyond.”
    Atsu was given a military guard of honour when his body made it back to GhanaCredit: AFP More

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      Christian Atsu funeral today as thousands to gather in state ceremony for ex-Newcastle star killed in Turkey quake

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      FOOTBALL ace Christian Atsu will be laid to rest in Ghana today after he was killed in the horror Turkey earthquake.The ex-Newcastle and Chelsea winger, 31, was found dead almost two weeks after a devastating 7.8 magnitude quake caused his apartment building to collapse in Antakya last month.
      Ex-Newcastle star Christian Atsu was found dead 12 days after the Turkey earthquakeCredit: PA
      The rubble of the apartment block where the football star Atsu was foundCredit: Splash
      A state-assisted funeral will be held today for the football star in the Ghana’s capital, Accra, with thousands expected to file past the coffin to pay their respects.
      A memorial service will be held after at the Forecourt of the State House for the dad-of-three and he is due to be buried in his hometown, Dogobome.
      Ghana’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, and Atsu’s devastated teammates are expected to attend.
      Atsu’s body arrived back home in Ghana to a guard of honour the day after he was found dead in the earthquake’s rubble on February 18.
      More on Christian Atsu
      Soldiers carried his coffin – draped in the national flag – past a crowd of mourners on the tarmac.
      The ex-Prem star played 65 times for Ghana’s national team and helped his side reach the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
      He had been due to fly out of Turkey hours before the quake struck at 4am local time on February 6.
      But Atsu decided to stay with Hatayspor teammates after scoring the dramatic winner in a Super Lig match the day before.
      Most read in Football
      The Turkish club, who Atsu signed with in September, initially said he had been rescued from his luxury apartment building.
      But the team doctor then said he was still missing, and his agent and family members then spent more than a week in a desperate search.
      His body was tragically found – 12 days after the horror 7.8-magnitude quake after confused earlier reports wrongly said he had been found alive amid the chaos.
      Rescue workers discovered Atsu’s body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence – a 12-storey block of flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.
      Atsu’s wife Marie-Claire Rupio and their three children joined fans marking a minute’s silence in Newcastle before the side’s Premier League tie against Liverpool last month.
      He began his Prem career with Chelsea, before moving to Newcastle United and Everton.
      More than 50,000 were killed in Turkey and Syria after two earthquakes hit within hours.
      And freezing conditions and difficulty getting aid to remote areas is fuelled a further humanitarian disaster.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Sun Earthquake Appeal has now raised more than £1.5 million to support the Red Cross.
      A military honour guard carried Christian Atsu’s coffin from a plane in AccraCredit: AFP
      Atsu will be buried in his hometown in GhanaCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo sends incredible package to Turkey and Syria earthquake victims

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      EX-MANCHESTER UNITED star Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a plane fully loaded with care items to victims of the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey.More than 47,000 people have died and five million have been left homeless as ten cities were hit by the worst disaster in 100 years.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a plane load of supplies to help victims of the earthquakeCredit: Getty
      More than 47,000 people have died and five million have been left homelessCredit: EPA
      Ronaldo, 38, has already helped raise money for the earthquake victims through his former Juventus team-mate, Merih Demiral.
      The Turkey international auctioned off a signed Ronaldo Juve jersey to help raise funds.
      But the five-time Ballon d’Or and Champions League winner has stepped up his support, sending a plane load of supplies to victims.
      The Portugal legend has paid for tents, food packages, pillows and blankets, beds, baby food and milk and medical supplies to help aid the humanitarian effort.
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      It’s not the first time Ronaldo has put his hand in his pocket.
      Ronaldo once paid £69,000 to pay for child’s brain surgery.
      He also donated £137,000 to help fund a cancer centre in his native Portugal.
      Ronaldo also donated £1million to Portuguese hospitals during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
      Most read in Football
      More recently, Ronaldo greeted a young Syrian boy who said it was his dream to meet the ex-Real Madrid forward.
      After leaving Man Utd late last year, Ronaldo has settled well into life in Saudi Arabia.
      He now plays for Al Nassr, who sit top of the league, largely thanks to Ronaldo’s eight goals. More

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      Besiktas vs Antalyaspor delayed as fans throw thousands of toys on pitch for kids hit by earthquakes

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      BESIKTAS’ Super Lig game against Antalyasport was delayed as fans threw thousands of toys on the pitch for children affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.It came as the death toll in ­Turkey and Syria topped 50,000.
      Fans threw toys and teddies on to Besiktas’ pitch for children affected by the earthquakesCredit: AFP
      The death toll in Turkey and Syria has topped 50,000Credit: Getty
      Two Turkish teams have withdrawn from the Super LigCredit: Getty
      The game was in its infancy when fans covered the pitch with teddies and toys.
      Banners and flags also went around Besiktas’ Vodafone Stadium.
      Besiktas said in a statement: “Our fans organised a meaningful event called ‘This toy is my friend’ during the match in order to give morale to the children affected by the earthquake.
      “The fans threw scarves, berets and plush toys to be given as a gift to the children in the earthquake region.”
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      In an added tribute, Besiktas players warmed up in tops with the names of the country’s affected southern cities before a pre-match ceremony was held and fans applauded the search and rescue officers present at Vodafone Stadium.
      Defender Tayyib Sanuc said: “There are more important things than football. We are going through difficult times as a country. Together we will heal the wounds.
      “Our fans held a meaningful event – I was very touched. I hope we never experience such a disaster again.”
      The devastating earthquake has affected Super Lig football, with some games being cancelled or postponed.
      Most read in Football
      Gaziantep and Hatayspor have withdrawn from the Turkish Super Lig season following the earthquake, with Hatayspor losing player Christian Atsu.
      Sun readers have donated £1.4million to our Earthquake Appeal.
      Players helped clear the pitch before play resumedCredit: Reuters
      The gesture is to boost children’s morale following the devastating quakeCredit: Reuters
      Ex-Everton striker Cenk Tosun holds a teddy bearCredit: Reuters More

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      Infamous abandoned World Cup cabin village where fans paid £175-a-night for tiny rooms packed up & sent 1,800 miles

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      THE INFAMOUS “container homes” which saw World Cup fans spend £175-a-night for tiny, sweltering accommodation have been given an incredible new use. Qatari officials were forced to offer refunds after fans fumed over the shanty-town villages which had leaky toilets and six-hour queues.
      Qatar’s cabin villages were much mocked – but they now have an incredible new useCredit: AFP
      Qatar is packing up the container homes to ship them 1,800 miles awayCredit: Reuters
      The containers have an incredible new useCredit: Reuters
      The first batch is expected to arrive on March 3Credit: Qatar Fund For Development
      Since the World Cup the containers have sat unused after they were packed up and left abandoned without a purpose.
      But now the notorious boxes which saw housed thousands of football supporters have been given an incredible new lease of life.
      The multi-coloured mobile homes are now on their way to being used as urgent shelter for people 1,800 miles away in earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria.
      Qatari officials said they always planned to donate 10,000 of the homes but they brought the plans forward – the first batch due to arrive on March 3.
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      Turkey and Syria are still reeling from the natural disaster, with the 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude quakes killing more than 50,000 people.
      The tremor caused more than £70billion worth of damage.
      But now Qatar has stepped into help, giving the much-mocked containers an invaluable new job.
      Once upon a time, the temporary houses were packed together to provide residency for 60,000 football fans.
      Most read in Sport
      The portable rooms were set up across the desert and could fit two single beds or a double bed, a toilet, a small table and chairs set, mini-fridge and hot drink making facilities.
      They received a whirlwind of backlash – with builders still finishing off the shoddy sites as fans arrived for the tournament, which ended with Argentina’s win in December.
      Qatar’s World Cup had set up the mobile homes across empty stretches of the desert surrounding Doha.
      The flamboyant, brightly coloured cabins sported artificial grass and social areas filled with plush bean bags.
      Now some 10,000 of these shipping container-style rooms will be used to house those in need after the catastrophic consequences of the quake.
      The portacabins will accommodate people left homeless due to the disastrous quakes.
      A ship carrying the first batch of 350 portable homes left Qatar for Turkey on February 13.
      The Qatar Fund for Development said they were deployed as shelter to support the earthquake victims.
      People have taken to social media to share their thoughts on this incredible new use of the controversial World Cup housing units.
      One person wrote: “This is a great idea and hopefully an example for others”
      Another said: “YESSSSSSS. @FIFAcom Real Legacy of the world cup for all humanity”.
      A third tweeted: “What a great example of humanitarian aid and recycling. I really got a ‘one world’ feeling from reading this news”.
      But some people were left questioning the viability of Qatar’s latest humanitarian project.
      A Reddit user commented: “I stayed in one of these for 11 days at the World Cup. Far from luxurious but liveable short term”.
      Another tweeted: “Team have you packed in solar panels… many areas [have] no electricity… needed for survivors and field hospitals”.
      But this is not the only humanitarian aid that Qatar has delivered to the earthquake-hit countries.
      Read More on The Sun
      Along with the innovative new use for the mobile homes, Qatar Fund for Development has also sent a group of mobile toilets to Turkey as well as food, medicine and makeshift tents.
      The container homes were a source of ridicule at the World CupCredit: Dan Charity
      The converted containers had a toilet and showerCredit: Dan Charity
      Sun Man Oliver Harvey stayed a night in the sweltering container – with temps hitting near 40CCredit: Dan Charity
      The home only had a small air conditioner to keep it freshCredit: Dan Charity More

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      Christian Atsu’s coffin arrives back in Ghana with guard of honour after ex-Premier League ace killed in Turkey quake

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      CHRISTIAN Atsu’s ariived home in Ghana to a guard of honour a day after he was found dead in the rubble of the Turkey earthquake.Ministers said the ex-Newcastle and Chelsea winger, 31, will have a “befitting burial” as the nation mourns one of its leading sportsmen.
      A military honour guard carries Christian Atsu’s coffin from a plane in AccraCredit: AFP
      Atsu’s family members were waiting on the tarmac last nightCredit: AFP
      Ex-Newcastle star Christian Atsu was found dead 12 days after the Turkey earthquakeCredit: PA
      A huge crowd of mourners received the coffin at Accra airportCredit: AFP
      Atsu’s lifeless body was recovered on Saturday from his collapsed apartment building in Antakya, in southern Turkey.
      The tragic find – 12 days after the devastating 7.8-magnitude quake – came after confused earlier reports wrongly said he had been found alive amid the chaos.
      Last night a plane carrying him home was received at Accra airport by Ghana’s Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and a large military honour guard.
      Soldiers carried his coffin – draped in the national flag – past a crowd of mourners on the tarmac.
      Read more on Christian Atsu
      Mr Bawumia said: “We hoped against hope, every day that passed, we prayed and prayed.
      “But alas, when he was found, he was no more.”
      He said the football ace was much loved and would be sorely missed, adding: “It is a painful loss, a very painful one.”
      Atsu’s body was taken to a military hospital mortuary ahead of a funeral expected in the coming days.
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      The ex-Prem star played 65 times for Ghana’s national team and helped his side reach the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
      He had been due to fly out of Turkey hours before the quake struck at 4am local time.
      But he decided to stay with Hatayspor teammates after scoring the dramatic winner in a Super Lig match the day before on February 5.
      The Turkish club initially said he had been rescued from his luxury apartment building.
      But the team doctor then said he was still missing, and his agent and family members then spent more than a week in a desperate search.
      Atsu’s older brother and twin sister were at the scene when his body was recovered on Saturday.
      His agent Nana Sechere said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all wellwishers 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.”
      Tributes poured in after the news of his death, with his club describing him as a “beautiful person”.
      Hatayspor, who he joined in September, said: “We will never forget you, Atsu.
      “Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness.”
      Ghana captain Mohammed Kudus removed his shirt after scoring for Dutch side Ajax yesterday to reveal a white shirt with “RIP Atsu” written on it.
      On Saturday Atsu’s wife Marie-Claire Rupio and their three children joined fans marking a minute’s silence in Newcastle before the side’s Premier League tie against Liverpool.
      Atsu played for Newcastle from 2016 to 2021.
      His face was shown on the big screen and away fans chanted “you’ll never walk alone”, before breaking into applause.
      There was also a minute’s silence before kickoff at other Premier League grounds across the country.
      Atsu began his Prem career with Chelsea, before moving to Newcastle United and Everton.
      Terry, who captained the Cheslea at the time, tweeted a picture of Atsu alongside the message: “RIP my friend.”
      Another Chelsea teammate Michael Essien said: “Rest well king.”
      Cesc Fabregas and Michy Batshuayi also paid tribute.
      And Dwight Gayle said: “It was a pleasure to share our time together and you was one of the nicest people I’ve met in football from opening schools back home to just having a constant smile day to day.
      “The world needs more people like you and you will be truly missed. RIP brother.”
      Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given added: “Terrible sad news about Christian Atsu. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.”
      Newcastle United said: “We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes.
      “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
      More than 44,000 people are now believed to have died in Turkey and Syria.
      And freezing conditions and difficulty getting aid to remote areas is fuelling a further humanitarian disaster.
      Read More on The Sun
      The United Nations regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria Muhannad Hadi said the death toll in the country is set to rise as teams scramble to reach buildings in hard-hit areas.
      The Sun Earthquake Appeal has now raised over £1 million to support the Red Cross.
      Atsu was discovered under the rubble of a luxury apartment building in AntakyaCredit: Reuters
      Leeds United and Everton players observe a minute’s applause in memory of Atsu on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Players also paid tribute before the Chelsea v Southampton gameCredit: Getty
      Newcastle fans mourned the former player’s death on SaturdayCredit: PA More

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      Comedian reveals touching act by footballer Christian Atsu as Premier League ace’s body flown home to his native Ghana

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      A COMEDIAN has revealed how the late Christian Atsu paid for his school fees in a touching act of kindness. Emmanuel Iwueke said he reached out to the Premier League ace, who was tragically found dead on Saturday in the rubble of the Turkey earthquake, for help in 2015.
      Christian Atsu was found dead 12 days after the earthquake rocked TurkeyCredit: Getty
      The Premier League ace was reported missing after the massive earthquakeCredit: PA
      The rubble of the apartment block where Christian Atsu was foundCredit: Splash
      The comedian, known as Craze Clown, said the ex-Newcastle and Chelsea player offered to pay his fees until he graduated from school.
      Iwueke, from Nigeria, shared a screenshot of the conversation with Atsu – who promised to make sure he completed school.
      In the texts, Atsu told Iwueke: “I will make sure you complete your school. And get a good job.”
      The comedian described the late footballer as a “great friend”.
      Read more on Christian Atsu
      “Christian has been supporting me from way back in 2015,” he said.
      “When I lost my dad, he l reached out and offered to pay my fees till I graduated and he did.
      “You’ve been a great friend of mine, Chris, and I will surely miss you.
      “I really can’t hold back the tears. Rest well brother.”
      Most read in Football
      Big-hearted Atsu donated to many schools and orphanages, and strived to help Ghanaian children.
      It comes as his body is due to be flown home to the country on Sunday evening.
      His body was found under the rubble 12 days after the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey.
      He had been scheduled to fly out of the country hours before the quake struck at 4am local time.
      But the Ghana star reportedly cancelled his flight to stay with teammates after scoring the dramatic game-winning goal in a Super Lig match the day before on February 5.
      After days of desperately searching for Atsu, his manager said his body was tragically discovered buried in the rubble on Saturday.
      Turkey’s foreign ministry said his body will be flown home on Sunday.
      “The remains will be accompanied by his family and Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey on a Turkish airlines flight and will arrive in Accra at 7.40pm on Sunday,” it said.
      Rescue workers found Atsu’s body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence – a 12-storey block of luxury flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.
      Atsu’s older brother and twin sister were at the scene when his body was recovered.
      His agent Nana Sechere said: “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, who has three kids with wife Marie-Claire, spent four seasons at Chelsea before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017.
      He signed in September for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor.
      Several members of his new team had to be rescued from their homes after the earthquake struck at 4am local time.
      Tributes poured in for the midfielder, with his club describing him as a “beautiful person”.
      Players across the UK also held a minute’s silence or a minute’s applause before kick off on Saturday in a touching tribute to the star.
      His devastated wife Marie-Claire and kids were in attendance at St James’ Park as Newcastle paid tribute to the late winger.
      His club Hatayspor said: “We will never forget you, Atsu.
      “Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness.”
      Atsu began his Premier League career with Chelsea, before moving on to Newcastle United and Everton.
      Terry, who captained the team at the time, tweeted a picture of Atsu alongside the message: “RIP my friend.”
      Another member of the Chelsea squad at the time, Michael Essien, said: “Rest well king.”
      Newcastle United described Atsu as a “talented player and a special person”.
      “We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes,” it said.
      “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
      Atsu is one of more than 46,000 people who have now died in Turkey and Syria after the earthquakes struck on February 6.
      The United Nations regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria Muhannad Hadi said the death toll in the country is set to rise as teams scramble to reach buildings in hard-hit areas.
      The Sun Earthquake Appeal, which we launched to support the Red Cross, has now raised over £1 million with readers donating £110,000.
      Read More on The Sun
      Comedian Craze Clown said big-hearted Atsu paid for his school fees More

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      Ex-Premier League ace Christian Atsu’s body is flown back to his native Ghana as tributes pour in following tragic death

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      CHRISTIAN Atsu’s body was flown home to Ghana today as tributes poured in for the ex-Premier League ace. The 31-year-old ex-Newcastle and Chelsea player was found dead under the rubble 12 days after a devastating 7.8-magnitude quake rocked Turkey.
      Christian Atsu was found dead 12 days after the earthquake hit his homeCredit: PA
      He was discovered under the rubble of a building in TurkeyCredit: Reuters
      Christian Atsu’s coffin is loaded into a plane bound for GhanaCredit: AFP
      A minute’s silence for Atsu at Nottingham Forest v Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
      Leeds United and Everton players observe a minute’s applause in memory of AtsuCredit: Getty
      He had been scheduled to fly out of the country hours before the quake struck at 4am local time.
      But the Ghana star reportedly cancelled his flight to stay with teammates after scoring the dramatic game-winning goal in a Super Lig match the day before on February 5.
      After 12 days of desperately searching for Atsu, his manager said his body was tragically discovered buried in the rubble on Saturday.
      His body was flown back to his native Ghana hours later.
      Read more on Christian Atsu
      His agent Nana Sechere said: “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.”
      Rescue workers found Atsu’s body where he was staying at Ronesans Residence – a 12-storey block of luxury flats that toppled over in Antakya city in Hatay.
      Tributes have poured in for the midfielder, with his club describing him as a “beautiful person”.
      Most read in Football
      Players across the UK also held a minute’s silence or a minute’s applause before kick off in a touching tribute to the star.
      Hatayspor, who Atsu signed with in September, said: “We will never forget you, Atsu.
      “Peace be upon you, beautiful person. There are no words to describe our sadness.”
      Atsu began his Premier League career with Chelsea, before moving on to Newcastle United and Everton.
      Terry, who captained the team at the time, tweeted a picture of Atsu alongside the message: “RIP my friend.”
      Another member of the Chelsea squad at the time, Michael Essien, said: “Rest well king.”
      Cesc Fabregas and Michy Batshuayi also paid tribute to Atsu.
      And Dwight Gayle said: “It was a pleasure to share our time together and you was one of the nicest people I’ve met in football from opening schools back home to just having a constant smile day to day.
      “The world needs more people like you and you will be truly missed. RIP brother.”
      Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given added: “Terrible sad news about Christian Atsu. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.”
      Newcastle United described Atsu as a “talented player and a special person”.
      “We are profoundly saddened to learn that Christian Atsu has tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes,” it said.
      “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
      There were initial reports the midfielder had been rescued a day after the quake, but these turned out to be false.
      Earlier footage showed rescuers with search lights sifting through the wreckage of Atsu’s apartment block on the first night of the natural disaster.
      His voice was then heard in the rubble, along with that of Hatayspor’s Sporting Director Taner Savut, local reports said.
      Atsu, who has three kids with wife Marie-Claire, spent four seasons at Chelsea before a permanent transfer to Newcastle in 2017.
      He signed in September for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor.
      Several members of his new team had to be rescued from their homes after the earthquake struck at 4am local time.
      The massive 7.8 magnitude quake stuck early on February 6.
      Two further earthquakes struck in the 24 hours after the initial tremor, leaving a trail of destruction.
      More than 43,000 people are now believed to have died in Turkey and Syria.
      And freezing conditions and difficulty getting aid to remote areas is fuelling a further humanitarian disaster.
      Read More on The Sun
      The United Nations regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria Muhannad Hadi said the death toll in the country is set to rise as teams scramble to reach buildings in hard-hit areas.
      The Sun Earthquake Appeal, which we launched to support the Red Cross, has now raised over £1 million with readers donating £110,000.
      Players also paid tribute before the Chelsea and Southampton gameCredit: Getty
      Atsu had been scheduled to fly home hours before the quake hit but had decided to stay with his teammates after a league winCredit: AFP
      Fans were devastated to hear of the ex-Newcastle man’s deathCredit: PA
      Tributes poured in from across the footballing world for the well-loved playerCredit: Rex
      Former Chelsea captain John Terry was among those who offered his condolencesCredit: Enterprise
      The country he had made his home was rocked by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the early hours of February 6Credit: Reuters
      The death toll currently stands at over 47,000Credit: AFP
      Millions have been displaced in the affected areas of Turkey and SyriaCredit: Getty
      Rescue workers from across the world have toiled around the clock to save as many people as possibleCredit: EPA More

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      Chelsea post emotional tribute to Christian Atsu as footballing world pays respects after death in earthquake confirmed

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      CHELSEA have paid a touching tribute to former player Christian Atsu, who has passed aged 31.The Ghanian was one of the thousands of people to tragically lose their lives in the fatal earthquakes which rocked Turkey and Syria earlier this month.
      Christian Atsu tragically lost his life in the devastating earthquakes that rocked Turkey and SyriaCredit: REX
      Former club Chelsea paid tribute to the late Atsu with an obituaryCredit: GETTY
      Atsu was trapped under the rubble at Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor’s headquarters for two weeks before his body was found.
      And Chelsea, like many in the footie world, paid tribute to the late player in an obituary on their website.
      It read: “It is with enormous sadness that Chelsea Football Club receives the news that Christian Atsu is confirmed as one of the many victims of the dreadful earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
      “Atsu was a Chelsea player between 2013 and 2017 having signed from Porto.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      “He did not make a competitive appearance for our men’s first team having spent his seasons as a Blue out on loan, although he featured in some pre-season games.
      “During those years, the Ghanaian international was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, also scoring the Goal of the Tournament as Ghana finished runners up.
      “His loans took him to Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle before he was transferred permanently to St James’ Park.
      “He moved to Turkey to play for Hatayspor last year.
      Most read in Football
      “Chelsea sends our heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy.”
      Blues legend John Terry paid his own tribute to Atsu, tweeting a picture of the late winger and saying: “RIP my friend.”
      Atsu’s former club Newcastle also paid tribute, with an excerpt of their statement reading: “We are profoundly saddened to learn that our former player Christian Atsu tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes.
      “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
      Everton also followed suit, tweeting: “We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month.
      “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at @Hatayspor_FK and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives.” More