Former Newcastle United footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead, according to the player's agent.

There had been concern for the 31-year old Ghanaian midfielder who was missing since a massive earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria last Monday (February 6).

Atsu had been living in Antakya in southern Turkey where he played for Hatayspor after signing to play for them in September last year.

"Atsu's lifeless body was found under the rubble," Murat Uzunmehmet told reporters in Hatay, where the athlete's body was found. "Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found."

Atsu had been scheduled to fly out of southern Turkey hours before the quake, but he had opted to stay with the club after scoring the game-winning goal in a match the day before the earthquake.

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Before the news of his death had emerged Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe - who managed Atsu during a loan spell at AFC Bournemouth - said, "I really, really enjoyed working with Christian, a great lad, great player. Our thoughts are with him and his family."

The Ghanaian international appeared 65 times for his country and played for Newcastle United between 2017 and 2021. During his career he also had spells at Chelsea, Everton and Porto.