Christian Atsu ‘Remains Missing’ In Rubble After Turkey Earthquake

It was widely reported by several credible sources that Ghanaian international Christian Atsu, who had been trapped rubbles following an earthquake in Turkey, was found alive. But according to the latest updates from his club Hatayspor and the media in Turkey, the former Newcastle winger is still missing.

False reports claimed Christian Atsu had been rescued and taken to hospital with breathing difficulties and an injury to his right foot. However, one of Atsu’s teammates Kerim Alici, posted on his Instagram account debunking the reports.

Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu who broke the news of Atsu’s disappearance, also tweeted that Hatayspor manager Mustafa Özat had confirmed that Atsu and the club’s sporting director Taner Savut were still under the rubble.

Hatayspor Yöneticisi Mustafa Özat: Christian Atsu ve sportif direktörümüz Taner Savut maalesef hala enkaz altında.

— Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (@yagosabuncuoglu) February 6, 2023

The 31-year-old only joined Hatayspor last summer following an unsuccessful spell at Saudi football club, Al Raed FC. Atsu, who also played for Porto, scored a beautiful freekick  to win the game for Hatayspor less than 24 hours before the earthquake.

Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with Atsu, his family and club in these difficult times.