Ex-Premier League player Atsu among missing after Turkey, Syria earthquakes

Ghanaian international footballer Christian Atsu is believed to be among those trapped under the rubble following two major earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Southern Turkey and northern Syria were hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the early hours of Monday, before a 7.5-magnitude tremor followed at around 1:30pm local time. The confirmed death toll has so far risen to over 2,600.

Atsu yet to be located after earthquakes

Local media reports that the whereabouts of Atsu, who plays for Hatayspor in the Turkish city of Antakya, remain unaccounted for. Antakya is located in Hatay Province, one of the regions of Turkey that has been most affected by the earthquakes.

Hatayspor’s sporting director, Taner Savur, is also reported to be missing, with efforts underway to locate the pair.

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Ghanaian has been in Turkey since September

Atsu, who has had spells at Premier League clubs Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle United, joined Turkish Süper Lig side Hatayspor in September 2022. On Sunday, the 31-year-old winger scored his team’s winner in a 1-0 league victory over Kasimpasa.

Atsu has won a total of 65 caps for Ghana since making his international debut in 2012. He has scored nine goals for the Black Stars.

Newcastle “praying” for good news on Atsu

“Praying for some positive news,” Newcastle wrote on their official Twitter account on Monday. Another of the player’s former clubs, Spanish side Málaga, tweeted: “Our thoughts are with him and his family at these times of terrible anguish.”