The remains of former Ghana international footballer Christian Atsu, who died in a devastating earthquake in Turkey, have been flown home. Photo: Saddick Adams/Twitter
Christian Atsu still missing nine days after Turkey earthquake – agent
Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu is still missing nine days after an earthquake struck and devastated Turkey last week.
The remains of former Ghana international footballer Christian Atsu, who died in a devastating earthquake in Turkey, have been flown home. Photo: Saddick Adams/Twitter
Christian Atsu has still not been located nine days after the earthquakes that have devastated Turkey.
Christian Atsu still at large after Turkey earthquakes
Atsu, formerly of Bournemouth, Chelsea and Newcastle United in the Premier League, now plies his trade for Turkish outfit Hatayspor. He’s been missing since last week. A massive earthquake registering 7.8 on the Richter scale has claimed the lives of more than 35,000. Thousands others have been injured. The quake struck south-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, early last week.
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Misleading reports on the whereabouts of Christian Atsu
Despite tentative reports last week that Atsu had been pulled from rubble and taken to hospital, the 31-year-old Ghanaian remains at large. His friend and agent Nana Sechere told The Athletic: “It has been nine days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian.
“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.
“During my time here we have been able to locate Christian Atsu’s exact room location, and we have found two pairs of his shoes.”
He added: “Yesterday we received confirmation that thermal imagery was showing signs of up to five lives.
“However, I am told that the only real confirmation of life is through sight, smell and sound, and unfortunately we were not able locate Christian.”
Agent of Christian Atsu calls for more support
Sechere called for more support in their bid to find Atsu. He said: “This is a difficult situation and we are extremely grateful to all the Turkish and foreign rescue teams, local civilians and volunteers for their efforts and response in rescuing survivors.
“However, we urgently need more resources, including a translator, on the ground. Things are moving incredibly slow and as a result of that many rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost due to the lack of resources available to the workers.”
We’ll bring you more news on this concerning story as it emerges.
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