Former Everton winger still missing following massive earthquake in Turkey
Updated One-time Everton and Chelsea player Christian Atsu cannot be accounted for despite reports he had been rescued from the rubble after the building he was in collapsed amid the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in the early hours of Monday morning.
According to his agent, the 31-year-old is still missing after his team-mates at Hatayspor were pulled from the wreckage despite a claim that appeared to have been corroborrated by both the Super Lig club's vice president Mustafa Ozat and the Ghana FA that Atsu had been found and taken to hospital "with injuries".
The latest reports are that Atsu cannot be located at the hospital that he was believed to be have been taken to.
A search and rescue operation continues for thousands believed to have been buried as buildings collapsed in a tragedy that has killed an estimated 5,000 people so far.
Atsu made 5 appearances for the Toffees in the 2014-15 season under Roberto Martinez during a loan spell from Chelsea and he also played for Malaga before joining the Magpies is 2016 where he made 32 league appearances.
Following a short stint in Saudi Arabia with Al Raed he moved to Turkey last summer where he has played 3 times and scored one goal.
Reader Comments (28)
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2 Posted 06/02/2023 at 15:03:35
3 Posted 06/02/2023 at 15:21:39
4 Posted 06/02/2023 at 15:26:18
5 Posted 06/02/2023 at 15:47:13
6 Posted 06/02/2023 at 15:51:33
I saw that. Horrifying situation out there in Turkey
7 Posted 06/02/2023 at 16:00:27
8 Posted 06/02/2023 at 16:11:19
I've experienced the odd earthquake and scrapes of different types throughout life. But this one, those people had no control over.
God bless too all in Turkey and Syria and the entire region as the impact will reach beyond.
Gives you perspective on life.
9 Posted 06/02/2023 at 17:06:08
10 Posted 06/02/2023 at 17:18:03
11 Posted 06/02/2023 at 18:22:41
12 Posted 06/02/2023 at 18:59:34
13 Posted 06/02/2023 at 20:33:35
Christian Atsu has been found alive inside rubble after today's devastating earthquake that rocked Turkey and neighbouring nations. He reportedly has breathing difficulties and an injury to his right foot, and has been transported to hospital. https://abola.pt/nnh/2023-02-06
Disclaimer: Turkish reports have still not confirmed this. (A Bola have several links to the club through former Portuguese Primeira players so fingers crossed their report was published with the correct information)
14 Posted 06/02/2023 at 20:37:28
Thanks for the update, good news!
15 Posted 06/02/2023 at 20:42:12
16 Posted 06/02/2023 at 20:43:41
17 Posted 06/02/2023 at 20:52:56
Apparently Atzu scored a last-minute winner for his team on Sunday.
Saddick Adams@SaddickAdams
I'm still in contact with Christian Atsu's management. A teammate of Atsu has confirmed to them, the player has been found and taken to the hospital.
They expect an official statement from his club soon.
Prayers still with him and everyone. Trust God he is safe.
18 Posted 07/02/2023 at 01:08:41
Atsu scored a 97th minute gamewinner for his club just a few hours before the quake.
19 Posted 07/02/2023 at 04:27:32
20 Posted 07/02/2023 at 05:35:47
21 Posted 07/02/2023 at 07:37:21
22 Posted 07/02/2023 at 08:14:20
23 Posted 07/02/2023 at 09:54:56
24 Posted 07/02/2023 at 12:51:25
25 Posted 07/02/2023 at 15:16:40
26 Posted 07/02/2023 at 16:36:57
Atsu has barely played for Hatayspor this season, but he subbed on in the 90th minute of a 0-0 game Sunday night and won it with a free kick in the 97th, his first goal for the club.
His agent says he was celebrating by playing poker with friends until 3:30 in the morning. Got home around 4am. The quake struck at 4:17.
The club's sporting director is still missing in the rubble of the same building.
Atsu's goal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bOHWEUOFQU
Free kick at 5:45 in the highlights.
27 Posted 08/02/2023 at 15:25:59
Seemingly there was a mix up and the Ghanaian FA thought he had been found but hasn't. This according to the Daily Mirror. The BBC quote his agent as saying the same.
28 Posted 08/02/2023 at 15:41:46
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1 Posted 06/02/2023 at 13:18:03