Fatal decision: Christian Atsu cancelled flight from Turkey hours before earthquake that killed him

Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu was scheduled to fly out of Turkey just hours before the devastating earthquake in the region, but changed his mind after scoring a last-minute winner.

It was confirmed on Saturday morning that Atsu was killed by the earthquake, which has claimed more than 45,000 lives and injured thousands more. Millions of people have been left without water, electricity and heating in southern Turkey and northern Syria.

The disastrous event happened on Monday, February 6. Atsu played for Hatayspor in their Turkish Super Lig clash against Kasimpasa the night before the earthquake and scored a 98th-minute winner, which encouraged him to cancel his 11pm flight and stay in Turkey.

Atsu, who spent much of his career in the Premier League, was planning on visiting his family but delayed his journey after his dramatic goal. Hatayspor’s administrative manager Faith Ilek revealed the tragic turn of events during a recent interview.

“He didn’t play against Gaziantep FK, but scored a last-minute goal in the Kasımpasa match,” Ilek told Turkish outlet Radyospor before Atsu’s death was confirmed.

“Actually, he was going abroad to visit his family. But when he played well and scored, he cancelled his ticket. The earthquake happened on his happiest day. He had a flight at 11pm. Cancelled the ticket. There was an earthquake at 4am. Absolutely a tragedy.”

Atsu, who signed for Hatayspor last September, was reported as missing within hours of the earthquake. Hatayspor had initially announced that Atsu was found alive and pulled from the rubble on Tuesday, February 7 – yet this was retracted two days later.

Atsu played for the likes of Porto, Chelsea, Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle during his career. He also won 65 senior caps for Ghana and helped his country reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 – earning him the Player of the Tournament award.

Tributes have flooded in for Atsu since his passing was confirmed. “Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Christian Atsu,” tweeted Spurs. “Our thoughts and condolences are with his friends and family at this incredibly sad time.”

Atsu joined Chelsea from Porto in the summer of 2013. The Blues tweeted: “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.”