By Razeen Gutta
Former Newcastle United and Chelsea winger Christian Atsu, was initially reported to have been missing in the midst of the natural disaster but he has been found and he is alive.
The 31-year-old Ghana international was “removed injured” after being on the ninth floor of a building which collapsed and is now being treated in hospital.
Atsu plays for Turkish outfit Hatayspor. The club’s vice president said: “Christian Atsu was removed from the wreckage. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble,” Mustafa Ozat told Turkish radio station Radyo Gol.
Multiple reports state that other players were also rescued from the disaster.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola has reported that Atsu has suffered injuries to his right foot and is currently having difficulty breathing.
Atsu previously plied his trade for Portuguese giants Porto.
One of Atsu’s former clubs Chelsea tweeted a message for the player and all those affected on Monday night.
“The thoughts of everyone at Chelsea Football Club are with those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria,” the club said.
“We’re praying for you, Christian Atsu,” they added in a follow-up tweet.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake which struck Turkey and Syria on Monday has killed more than 5,000 people.
Pictured above: Christian Atsu
Image source: @saddickadams
