TURKEY - SYRIA EARTHQUAKE
Christian Atsu still missing after Turkey earthquake
Despite reports the Ghanaian had been rescued and transferred to hospital, his agent says he has not been found.
Soccer player Christian Atsu is still missing after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria on 6 February, according to his agent. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake a spokesman for Hatayspor, Atsu’s current team, said the Ghanian soccer player had been rescued from the rubble, however despite reports he had been taken to hospital he has not been seen since the disaster.
His agent, Nana Schere, said that Atsu’s room has been located, with two pairs of his shoes identified. According to the agent, “things are moving incredibly slowly” and more resources are urgently needed, including a translator, adding that as a result: “any rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost.”
“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.”
The death toll from the disaster stands at over 37,000 as of Tuesday 14 February. Find out how to help the victims of the earthquake.
A worldwide outpouring of love for the player
Since the news broke, the world of football, especially his previous teams, had poured out messages of support for the player, wishing him the best of luck. Málaga reacted to the news and sent its support to the footballer and his family.
Atsu came to Turkish football this season from Al-Raed Saudi. At Hatayspor he is not having a great season, but this weekend in the match against Kasimpasa he was decisive in his team’s win (1-0), scoring the winning goal.
