Multiple sources have confirmed that Ghana Black Stars’ forward, Christian Atsu, has been rescued from the rubble with injuries.
The Ghanaian international was trapped for about 24 hours in a destroyed building after being caught up in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which struck Turkey on Monday.
Initial reports on Monday evening that the 31-year-old footballer who plays for Turkish side Hatayspor had been found, based on a report by a Portuguese outlet A Bola were dismissed by the club.
But latest reports attributed to the Club Manager of the Club, Mustafa Özat said Atsu, who was reportedly missing alongside Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut, is injured but is now out of the building.
Speaking to Radyo Gol, Ozat said: “Christian Atsu was taken out with injuries. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble.”
He added: “Hatay was deeply affected. We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours.”
UK-based Daily Mail reports that on Tuesday morning Atsu’s team-mate Kerim Alici, a close friend, also confirmed on Turkish TV that the player had been rescued alive.
The Ghana Football Association has also tweeted about the development calling it a “positive news”.
“Update: We’ve received some positive news that Christian Atsu has been successfully rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building and is receiving treatment. Let’s continue to pray for Christian,” the GFA tweeted on Tuesday.
Update: We've received some positive news that Christian Atsu has been successfully rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building and is receiving treatment.
— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 7, 2023
Let’s continue to pray for Christian🙏🏽
Ghana’s Ambassador to Turkey, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton has also confirmed his rescue to an Accra-based radio station, Asaase,.
“Iam just getting information from the president of the Ghana Association that Atsu has been found in Hatay,” the Ambassador said.
Hatayspor is located in the Turkish city of the Hatay, which is believed to be one of the areas worst affected by the incident.
Other footballers, including Onur Ergun and Burak Oksuz, were rescued following the incident. Two other team-mates of Atsu, Ruben Ribeiro and Ze Luis, are also safe, while Kerim Alici managed to free himself from the rubble.
Atsu, who joined Chelsea as a youngster back in 2013 after leaving Porto, also had spells with a number of other top-flight clubs including Everton and Bournemouth before moving to St James’ Park.
He joined Hatayspor in the summer and scored his first goal for the club on Sunday night – just hours before the disaster which has devastated Turkey.
Reports suggested that over 4,900 people have lost their lives following the incident with thousands more believed to be injured across Turkey and Syria. A massive aftershock with a magnitude of 7.5 hit the south of Turkey just hours after the original quake. Reports say it was felt once again in Syria and also Iraqi Kurdistan.
Read also: Akufo-Addo prays Christian Atsu is found safe and sound