Partey: Difficult to accept Atsu is dead!

Arsenal and Black Stars of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey says Christian Atsu’s death is a big shock to him. Atsu, 31, was caught up in a 7.8-magnitude quake that rocked Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing more than 43,000 people.

Murat Uzunnmehmet says Atsu’s body was found under the rubble in the Turkish southern province of Hatay. Following the confirmation of the player’s death, his national team colleague, Partey took to his Facebook page to mourn the former Chelsea and Newcastle player.

‘It’s difficult to accept you are gone, my friend. I still can’t believe it. Christian, this is a hard pill to swallow. May God grant you a better place my friend.

May all the souls lost in the disaster in Turkey and Syria rest in perfect peace,’ wrote the Arsenal player who missed the Gunners’ 4-2 defeat of Aston Villa Saturday at the Villa Park