Christian Atsu dies in Turkey earthquake

We are deeply saddened by the news that Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastation of the earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria.

Atsu, born on 10 January 1992 in Ghana, first came to England in the summer of 2013, signing for Chelsea. After a season loaned to Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands, he joined Everton on loan in August 2014, where he made five Premier League appearances that campaign. 

The next season he moved to AFC Bournemouth but did not make a league appearance for a club playing in the Premier League for the first time, before switching his loan to Malaga in the January 2016 transfer window.  

In August 2016, he was loaned to Newcastle United while they were in the Championship and helped the Magpies earn an immediate return to the Premier League, joining on a permanent deal in the summer of 2017.

The winger made 75 Premier League appearances for Newcastle across three seasons, scoring three goals and providing six assists. Atsu moved to the Saudi side Al Raed before joining Hatayspor in Turkey last summer. 

He also represented Ghana 65 times. 

"A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters," a Newcastle statement said.

Tributes for Atsu will be made at his former clubs as well as at other Premier League grounds this weekend.

Chelsea will hold a minute's applause and wear black armbands at home against Southampton on Saturday, while Newcastle will have a minute's silence and wear black armbands at home against Liverpool.

Everton will hold a minute's applause at home against Leeds United, and AFC Bournemouth players will wear black armbands at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian's family and friends and everyone affected by these tragic events.