Christian Atsu, Ex-Chelsea Star, Pulled Out Alive From Turkiye Earthquake Debris

Atsu, who plays for Hatayspor, was reported missing following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that has killed over 5,000 people.

Christian Atsu

Source : AFP

Hours after Ghana International Christian Atsu was reported missing after a series of earthquakes hit Turkiye and Syria which has caused havoc in the region, killing thousands and leaving many injured, it is now being learnt that the footballer has been found alive. The former Chelsea star was found buried under the debris caused by demolition of buildings owing to the the natural disaster. 

The same has been corroborated by the 31-year-old's club Hatayspor as well as the Ghana Football Association who have informed that he is receiving treatment.

Hatayspor's Sporting director Taner Savu Still Fear Trapped

"Christian Atsu was pulled out injured. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble," club vice president Mustafa Ozak told Radyo Gol as quoted in a Reuters report.

As per Hatayspor spokesperson Mustafa Özat, the player from Ghana, was thought to be in a building that was destroyed due to the earthquake that has claimed close to 5000 lives.

According to Ozat, the director of the club Taner Savut was also suspected to be present in the building that collapsed. The club officials were not able to contact them. Ozat said, at least two other Hatayspor players had to be pulled out of the rubble, as reported by AP. Both of them are safe now.

Atsu last played for Ghana in 2019

Atsu has played for Premier League clubs like Newcastle United and Everton, both of whom he played for on loan from his club Chelsea before joining Turkish club Hatayspor last summer. He last took the field for an international fixture representing Ghana in 2019 but has not officially announced retirement from international football.

An update on the club’s sporting director Taner Savut is awaited. Continued efforts are being made to pull him as well as others who could be trapped in the eathquake rubble out, as soon as possible.