Murad Uzunmehmet, business manager of Turkey’s Hatayspor club, Ghanaian Christian Atsu, has announced his death in a devastating earthquake that recently rocked the country.
Uzunmehmet said in a statement today, Saturday, that the 31-year-old player died under the rubble of his home, located in the Antakya region, 10 days after the devastating earthquake.
When rescuers arrived at his apartment, they found the player’s passport, ID card and wallet, and he was later found dead.
Earlier, Atsu’s agent stated that the Hatayspor management did not provide assistance or support in finding the player during the period of his disappearance.
In an official statement, Fatih Elik, managing director of Hatayspor, said: “Atsu told the team coach that he wanted to spend more time before our match with Gaziantep before the earthquake.”
He added: “He said, ‘Can I leave if I find a team?’ The coach then submitted this request to the administration. He was going to go abroad to see his family, but he played very well against Qasem Pasha.”
And he continued: “After the match, there was a great atmosphere in the dressing room, to the point that the coach hugged him. His joy on the field and in the dressing room is indescribable. He had a plane ticket to France, but he played well and scored, which made him stay.”
He continued his speech: “The earthquake happened in the happiest days of his life. He had a ticket at 11 pm, but he canceled the trip before the earthquake, which happened at 4 am.”
Source: agencies
