Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu has been found alive after being crushed under rubble in an earthquake that struck Turkey early Monday.
The 31-year-old winger, who plays for Hatayspor, was reported missing in Turkey’s Hatay province following the 7.7 magnitude quake around 4 am that brought down thousands of buildings, killing 1,000s, in several Turkish and Syrian cities on Monday.
Mustafa Özat, the vice president of his club Hatayspor confirmed to Radyo Gol on Tuesday morning: “Christian Atsu was rescued from the wreckage injured. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble… We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours.”
Özat further provided an update hours later via Radyospor saying: “Atsu is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital. His foot is injured, but I do not have detailed information at the moment. We are very happy that he is alive.”
“We pray for our teacher Taner Savut. I hope we get good news. Half of the city is gone, and the city is in a very terrible condition. The extent of the disaster in Hatay was perceived last night…” he added.
Several Hatayspo players and officials were rescued from the rubble earlier on Monday.
In a piece of related news, three Ghanaian female footballers – Queenabel Akosua Amankwah, Regina Antwi and Gifty Assifuah who all play for 1207 Antalya – have also been reported safe by their parent club Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies:
1/2 Turkey Earthquake:
In the midst of the mayhem that befell the people of Turkey and the world at large, this notice is to confirm all three former Hasaacas Ladies FC players currently plying their trades in Turkey are safe. pic.twitter.com/jjT0nfSt2G
— Hasaacas Ladies FC (@HasaacasLadies) February 7, 2023
