Following Monday’s earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, former Newcastle and Chelsea winger Christian Atsu is said to be missing; other members of the 31-year-Hatayspor old’s team have been found alive but Atsu is still unaccounted for according to recent reports.
In light of concerns that Christian Atsu may be caught in the Monday earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria, Newcastle together with Chelsea join Ghanaians who are anxiously awaiting news of the player.
The 31-year-old Ghanaian international, who is currently plying his trade with Hatayspor of the Turkish Super Lig, was reported missing after teammates and members of the club’s coaching staff were purportedly retrieved from the wreckage.
Hatayspor vice president Mustafa Ozat told Turkish TV station Play Spor: “Christian Atsu and (club sporting director) Taner Savut are still under the rubble.”
The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo posted on Twitter:
May their souls rest in perfect peace. Our hearts and prayers go out to the survivors, and we pray that our fellow Ghanaian, Christian Atsu, is found safe and sound. 2/2 pic.twitter.com/7GOtpYyKAI
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) February 6, 2023
A tweet from The Blues official Twitter handle read; “We’re praying for you, Christian Atsu.”
We’re praying for you, Christian Atsu. 💙 https://t.co/KSG2YeGpP0 pic.twitter.com/KNvQExSfid
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 6, 2023
A post on the Newcastle’s official Twitter account also read: “Praying for some positive news, @ChristianAtsu20.”
Praying for some positive news, @ChristianAtsu20. 🙏🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/HQT6yZOmRB
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 6, 2023
Atsu signed for Chelsea in 2013 and after a series of loan spells joined Newcastle. After joining the Magpies on loan from Chelsea for the 2017 season and then completing a permanent move, Atsu was a part of the squad that earned promotion back to the Premier League.
Atsu left St James’ Park in the summer of 2021 after making 121 appearances for the club. On Sunday, he scored in the final seconds to secure a 1-0 victory for his club, Hatayspor over Kasimpasa.
The internet is currently on tantrums with contradicting news around the Ghanaian player. Hatayspor is yet to make an official statement on the latest developments as Ghanaians continue to stand together in hope.
Early on Monday morning, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, followed by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake.
Rescue personnel are looking for survivors in the border region where it is estimated that 1,700 people have died.
By: Jude Tackie
