Christian Atsu reported ‘found’ alive in rubble after Turkey earthquake
Christian Atsu reported ‘found’ alive in rubble after Turkey earthquake
More than 1,400 people have died after a significant earthquake and reports suggest members of Turkish football club Hatayspor have been caught in the disaster
Footballer Christian Atsu is reportedly among those trapped after an earthquake in Turkey.
A 7.8 magnitude tremor struck southern Turkey and northern Syria early on Monday morning, before a subsequent 7.5 magnitude quake. A major rescue operation is underway in the region with more than 1,000 people dead and many more injured or missing.
Reports in Turkey suggest that Atsu, the 31-year-old former Chelsea and Newcastle winger, is among them. The Ghanaian joined Hatayspor last summer, and the club’s sporting director Taner Savut is also thought to be trapped. Istanbul-based journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu tweeted: “Hatayspor Sporting Director Taner Savut and Cristian Atsu were left under the rubble. Search and rescue teams are looking for two names.”
Christian Atsu was located alive in the rubble and “transported to hospital after suffering injuries to his right foot and breathing difficulties,” reports the Guardian.
There has not yet been a formal announcement from Atsu’s club, Hatayspor, though, and Goal.com report the most recent update coming via Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lutfu Savas, honorary president of Hatayspor, who stated: “The search and rescue efforts for Atsu are unfortunately continuing.”
Ghanaian football federation releases statement with Christian Atsu reportedly missing
The Ghanaian Football Association has released this statement with Christian Atsu’s condition unknown after the earthquakes in Turkey.
“We pray for Ghana International Christian Atsu and victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. We continue with our efforts to establish contact with officials of Hataspor and the Turkish Football Federation, considering the difficult situation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Atsu and our brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria. We remain hopeful for positive news.”
RELATED ARTICLE: Christian Atsu is reportedly trapped under rubble after an earthquake in Turkey
Source: independent.co.uk
