Christian Atsu is said to be trapped under rubble in Turkey after an earthquake.
According to The Sun Newspaper, Black Stars and former Newcastle winger Christian Atsu is reportedly trapped under rubble following the tragic earthquake in Turkey.
According to Turkish newspaper Star, a search-and-rescue operation is underway to locate the former Chelsea star, who was caught up in Monday’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
Ex-Blue Christian Atsu, 31, joined Hatayspor from Saudi club Al-Raed last summer. Following the earthquake, several members of his new team needed to be rescued by specialists.
However, it is claimed that former Toon ace Christian Atsu and Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut are still missing beneath the rubble. Hatayspor is based in Kahramanmaras, which was severely damaged by the earthquake.
Rescue Operation for Victims including Christian Atsu
A dramatic rescue operation “pulled out of the rubble” two players and members of the technical staff. And efforts are still being made to locate ex-Everton loanees Christian Atsu and Savut as soon as possible.
He isn’t the only missing footballer; Yeni Malatyaspor goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup is also missing.
The earthquake that struck Turkey around 4 a.m. on Monday is thought to have killed over 1,000 people.
Experts believe the death toll could rise to 10,000 if a second 7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes later. Syria’s neighboring country was also severely affected, with tremors felt in Egypt and Cyprus as well.
Christian Atsu’s Success Story
On Sunday, Hatayspor’s Atsu scored in the 97th minute against Kasimpasa. And fans are hoping that the winger is safe and secure.
“How the world was happy when he scored a goal yesterday, this is how the world appreciates your loved ones and friends,” one person said.
“The man scored a goal yesterday, he was overjoyed, and now it comes to mind, I’m crying,” said another.
“God help them,” one person added.
Atsu joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013 for £3.5 million but did not play for the Premier League giants.
He had loan spells with Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga, and Newcastle. And the Magpies extended his contract in 2017 after he helped them win promotion from the Championship.
Before joining Al-Raed in 2021, the ace made 86 appearances for Newcastle.