Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has paid tribute to his former teammate Christian Atsu after the Ghanaian winger was found dead following the dreadful earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.
Atsu was on the books of Chelsea from 2013 to 2017 but did not make a competitive appearance for the first team after he was acquired from Portuguese setup Porto.
He was farmed out on loan to Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle United during his time at Chelsea, before a permanent switch to the Magpies in May 2017.
According to Atsu's agent, Murat Uzunmehmet, the player's lifeless body was found under the rubble, putting an end to speculations that he may be alive.
The Ghanaian, who was 31 years old, came off the bench to net a stoppage time winner in his final game for Hatayspor on Sunday, February 5.
Writing on Instagram, Mikel stated : "I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Christian Atsu, my thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this very devastating event "
Atsu was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and his strike against Guinea won the Goal of the Tournament.