Hatayspor player Christian Atsu is still nowhere to be found following the earthquake in Turkey on the 6th of February, the footballer’s agent has revealed.
Former Chelsea footballer and Ghanaian International who plays as a winger is still missing since the devastating tragic incident that resulted in the disintegration of his apartment located in Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
Atsu’s club Hatayspor firstly announced he was rescued with “injuries”, but 24 hours later that information was retracted.
Nana Sechere, who is in Hatay, said they found the exact room of Christian Atsu and they saw pairs of the winger’s shoes.
The footballer’s agent also stated that thermal imaging cameras had indicated the possibility of “up to five lives” underneath the rubble, but that it had not been able to establish those pointers.
Atsu’s agent established that the 31-year-old is still missing as the search for the Ghanaian International continues.
However, anxiety is starting to creep in over the well-being of Christian Atsu as the death toll of this tragic occurrence continues to increase in both Syria and Turkey.
Atsu’s agent tweet on the current situation of things with the winger
“It has been nine days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian,” Sechere tweeted on Tuesday.
“I am at the quake site in Hatay with Christian’s family. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all the people affected.”
“During my time here, we have been able to locate Christian Atsu’s exact room location and we have found two pairs of his shoes.”
The footballer has not been seen for nine days, which Sechere described as catastrophic.
Sechere further stated: “Yesterday (Monday) we received confirmation that thermal imagery was showing signs of up to five lives.
“However, I am told that the only real confirmation of life is through sight, smell and sound, and unfortunately we were not able to locate Christian.
“This is a difficult situation and we are extremely grateful to all the Turkish and foreign rescue teams, local civilians and volunteers for their efforts and response in rescuing survivors.
“However, we urgently need more resources, including a translator on the ground.
“Things are moving incredibly slow and as a result of that many rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost due to the lack of resources available to the workers.
“It is unfortunate that the club is not on the ground with us, side by side, in the search for Christian.
“Their position and influence, accompanied with their local knowledge would be extremely helpful.
“We implore the President of the club and mayor of Hatay, Lütfü Savaş to provide additional resources to speed up the rescue efforts as a priority.”
Claire Rupio call for equipment to be sent
In the previous week, Christian Atsu’s partner Claire Rupio made calls for equipment to be sent over to the collapsed building where the former Chelsea man was residing.
Claire Rupio said: “I appeal for the Hatayspor club, the Turkish authorities, and the British government, to send out the equipment to get people out of the rubble – especially my partner and father of my children.
“They need the equipment to get them out – they can’t get that deep without the equipment. And time is running out.”
The former Newcastle United and Chelsea winger Atsu was residing in Kahramanmaras with many of his teammates and officials in Hatayspor.
The sporting director of the Turkish club is also nowhere to be found after the tragic incident.
Some individuals who thankfully survive are still being saved after the catastrophic earthquakes and its aftereffects that vehemently rocked the southern part of Turkey and the northern part of Syria.
The tragic incident is said to have caused the death of an estimated amount of more than fourth-thousand (40,000) people.
Christian Atsu several hours before the quake hit southern Turkey scored late on into stoppage time to lead Hatayspor to a 1-0 victory over Kasimpasa.
After the game, Atsu tweeted: “Important win for the team. Happy to be on the scoresheet”.
It’s been a week and three days since the winger was last seen but we pray in addition to hoping that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
