Ghanaians woke up to bad news in the early hours of Saturday as the update on Ghanaian international footballer Christian Atsu came through.

The winger for Turkish Süper Lig club Hatayspor was trapped under rubble after an earthquake hit the province of Turkey-Syria in the early hours of Monday, February 6.

It was reported that the Hataysport forward and the club's sporting director Taner Savut were unaccounted for after the incident.

The devastating earthquake in Turkey 12 days ago had left friends and loved ones of the player waiting for positive news about a miraculous escape from the disaster.

However, the Turkish club Hatayspor confirmed the death of the 31-year-old in the early hours of Saturday.

The horrible news was first announced by Murat Uzunmehmet, the player’s Turkish agent, at 5:00 am Ghana time.

Ghanaians and fans of the former Black Stars player have been slumped in deep dejection following the news.

Mubarak Wakaso, a former Black Stars player and closest friend of Atsu took to Twitter with a short message saying ‘Rest Well’.

Rest well 💔😢😭

— M.M.JUNIOR WAKASO (@WakasoBobby) February 18, 2023

Former Black Stars player, Michael Essien on Twitter also said "Rest Well King".

Rest well King 🤴💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/HUzyDgYocZ

— Michael Essien® (@MichaelEssien) February 18, 2023

R.I.P Brother 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/itsjq2jVwt

— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) February 18, 2023

Another agent of Christian Atsu, Nana Sechere, who has been the source of verified information on the player’s situation with reports from Hatay, confirmed the incident.

“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,” Sechere wrote on Twitter.

“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.”

“I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.”

Former Chelsea defender, John Terry has also reacted to the sad news. On Twitter, he said "RIP my friend".

RIP my friend 💙💔 pic.twitter.com/9JdHBIQilH

— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) February 18, 2023

Heartbroken!💔

R. I.P senior #ChristianAstu. pic.twitter.com/sBxL3i9k2F

— Felix Afena Ohene-Gyan (@ohenegyanfelix9) February 18, 2023

Just woke up to see the news man this is sad. RIP Christian Atsu.🥹🙏 pic.twitter.com/ueGqSK4WFK

— Orlando (@_starboyorlando) February 18, 2023

I remember when Christian Atsu came to Ghana two years ago and brought a huge pile of football boots from himself and a few teammates to donate to charity.

He was genuinely a good person who the Ghanaian society will truly miss. This is very painful. pic.twitter.com/8rGw4aGikL

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) February 18, 2023

Christian Atsu's Turkish agent,Murat Uzunmehmet:

"We found Atsu. He lost his life. Sorry for your loss." pic.twitter.com/dMQxpHSY96

— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) February 18, 2023

Rest in Peace, Christian Atsu.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult moment. 💔 pic.twitter.com/rjKRE9oH7t

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) February 18, 2023

Sending love and strength to Christian Atsu’s wife and children

Rest In Peace Legend 😭 pic.twitter.com/4L4kaEM7FH

— Nana Kay Burna (@Kwarms__) February 18, 2023

RIP CHRISTIAN ATSU, May God keep your family safe 🙏 No amount of words will bring you back, rest in peace in the Heart of the Lord🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/eS4o5fCEKT

— Cookie Tee (@TheCookieteeGH) February 18, 2023

President Nana Akufo-Addo has joined sympathisers and well-wishers to mourn the untimely passing of Ghanaian international, Christian Atsu.

Taking to his Twitter account, the President extended his condolences to the family of the deceased.

“I extend sincere, heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and family of our fellow Ghanaian, Christian Atsu, on the sad news of his death. Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace. He’ll be sorely missed,” he said.

I extend sincere, heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and family of our fellow Ghanaian, Christian Atsu, on the sad news of his death. Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace. He’ll be sorely missed. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/CqTkEsY4Op

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) February 18, 2023

A Presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party, Alan John Kyeremanteng has also sent his heartfelt condolence to the family of the 31-year-old.

On the micro-blogging site, the former Trade Minister said "My heartfelt condolences to the wife, children and the entire football fraternity on the loss of the international legend, Christian Atsu".

My heartfelt condolences to the wife, children, family, and the entire football fraternity on the loss of the international legend, Christian Atsu.

Rest on, Atsu. You were a source of pride. pic.twitter.com/hTqAuMStx0

— Alan John Kyerematen (@AlanKyerematen) February 18, 2023

Ghanaian rappers, Sarkodie and Strongman Burner has also eulogised Atsu.

RIP 👑 🕊️🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/EePMYxUbAB

— Sarkodie (@sarkodie) February 18, 2023

Rest In Peace Christian Atsu 💔
Condolences to the family, friends , club and Ghanaians as a whole 🕊
Rest well Champ 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lP3CfEv9Yt

— Strongman Burner (@StrongmanBurner) February 18, 2023

Also, former international clubs where the Ghanaian international played have since reacted to the sad incident.

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.

Rest in peace, Christian. 🖤🤍

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 18, 2023

Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of our former player, Christian Atsu. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 18, 2023

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

Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian's family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic event. pic.twitter.com/GLqXdd80Xl

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 18, 2023

The Ghana Football Association has also reacted to the death of the former Black Stars player.

The Ghana Football Association has received the sad news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble following the earthquake that struck Southern and Central Turkey on Monday, February 6, 2023.

May his Soul Rest in Peace! 🖤🕊️

📰: https://t.co/iJ38HQWPtv pic.twitter.com/6gjdkxlvzy

— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 18, 2023

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in a press release said plans are underway to have the body of Christian Atsu transported to Ghana for burial.

Arrangements are underway to transport Christian Atsu's body to Ghana.😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/0kWKsKxYrt

— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) February 18, 2023