Former Chelsea ahead Christian Atsu lacking after devastating Turkey earthquake

Hatayspor’s honorary president Lutfu Savas confirmed that Christian Atsu is but to be discovered following an earthquake in Turkey.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 7, 2023 09:19 IST

Former Newcastle United ahead Christian Atsu lacking after devastating Turkey earthquake (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Hatayspor honorary president Lutfu Savas on Tuesday stated that Christian Atsu is but to be rescued from the rubble brought on by an earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

On February 6, it was revealed that Atsu, who performs for Hatay-based Turkish membership Hatayspor, had gone lacking within the rubble following the earthquake that struck the south of Turkey and north of Syria, killing over 2,500 individuals.

He scored a 97th-minute winner for Turkish top-flight aspect Hatayspor of their 1-0 win over Kasmpasa on Sunday evening however was reported lacking simply hours later following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that destroyed whole house blocks in a number of Turkish and Syrian cities.

A brand new assertion from Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lutfu Savas, honorary president of Hatayspor, confirms: “The search and rescue efforts for Atsu are unfortunately continuing.”

Club director Taner Savut was additionally believed to be within the collapsed constructing, in line with Hatayspor spokesman Mustafa Özat, and membership officers have been unable to contact each males. He added that Atsu and Savut have been the one two Hatayspor gamers or officers nonetheless lacking.

Atsu, 31, joined Hatayspor, primarily based within the southern metropolis of Antakya, final 12 months after spending time in Saudi Arabia.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked giant elements of Turkey and neighboring Syria within the pre-dawn hours of Monday.

Atsu, 31, performed within the Premier League for Newcastle United and Everton, on mortgage from Chelsea, however joined Hatayspor in September.

Newcastle, who Atsu helped to promotion from the Championship within the 2016/17, tweeted they have been “praying for some positive news”.

“We pray for Ghana International Christian Atsu and victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria,” the Ghana Football Association tweeted. “We remain hopeful for positive news.”

Atsu was final chosen to play for Ghana in 2019, however has not formally retired from worldwide soccer.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the survivors, and we pray that our fellow Ghanaian, Christian Atsu, is found safe and sound,” Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo tweeted.

Published On:

Feb 7, 2023