Christian Atsu has been found alive after being trapped in Turkey earthquake rubble with other players of Hatayspor.
The 31-year-old was among a number other victims that were buried inside the Turkey earthquake after a giant building collapsed due to the earthquake.
Turkey awoke to two incredible mass earthquakes on Monday which buried several victims, and injured others.
Many tall buildings were leveled and reduced to rubble by the earthquakes which is said to have measured up to 7.7 in magnitude.
Rescue operations were immediately undertaken by Turkey emergency teams, with supports and prayers from the international community.
About 1,300 victims were reportedly buried by the earthquake and over 6,000 injured. The figures were still growing as the rescue operation continued.
Christian Atsu and some Hatayspor players were confirmed buried in the rubble in one of the buildings that collapsed in the quake.
Earlier on Monday, a renowned African football correspondent Saddick Adams confirmed Christian Atsu, 9 other Hatalyspor’s players, and 3 members of staff at the club, were trapped in the rubble of the collapsed building.
Meanwhile, he added that about three players and a staff were rescued as the rescue operation continued. He added that there were hopes Christian Atsu will be found.
Since the news broke, Ghanaians and football fans across the globe began to send in their prayers for the discovery and rescue of the Ghana international.
Just hours after confirming the discovery and rescue of the other three players, Saddick Adams revealed that Christian Atsu has been rescued from the rubble.
The former Newcastle star was trapped inside the rubble for hours, and had to be immediately transfered to the hospital after he was found alive in the rubble.
As at the time of filing this report, Christian Atsu’s teammate has confirmed that the former Premier League star has been rushed to the hospital.
Meanwhile, a Portuguese media outlet, A Bola, said Christian Atsu sustained an injury to the foot, and was having breathing difficulties following his rescue.
However, A Bola’s report is yet to be confirmed by Hatayspor, who is yet to issue an official statement to ascertain the health status of Christian Atsu.
Chelsea and Newcastle United were among the clubs who joined Ghanaians and other football fans across the globe to pray for the renowned midfielder and winger amidst the crisis.
Chelsea wrote on its social media handle, “We are praying for you Christian Atsu,” and extended prayers to all those affected by the massive earthquake
Newcastle United posted a picture of the Ghanaian star and wrote,
“Praying for some positive news.”
Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo also prayed for the safety and rescue of Christian Atsu while the rescue operation was ongoing. He wrote
“…we pray that our fellow Ghanaian is found and safe.”
Who is Christian Atsu?
Born in Ada Foah, Ghana on 10 January, 1992, Christian Atsu started his youth career at Feyenoord Fetteh, before moving to Cheetah and Porto.
He made his first senior club appearance for Porto in 2011, and played for the club for two years, making 17 appearances and scoring one goal.
He joined Rio Ave on loan before moving to Chelsea. Christian Atsu did not feature in a single game for Chelsea but was sent on loan spells to Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga, and then to Newcastle, where the loan deal was made permanent.
After 75 appearances and scoring three goals for the Magpies, he joined Al-Raed in 2021. At Al-Raed, Atsu made 8 appearances for the club before moving to Hatayspor where he is currently plying his trade.
He has made three appearances for Hatayspor, scoring one goal since joining the club in the summer.
His first goal for Hatayspor came in the club’s Super Lig win over Kasimpa. He scored the only goal that saw his new club bagged all three points against Kasimpa.
The goal came few hours before the tragic earthquake incident.
Christian Atsu has won 65 caps with Ghana national team.
