Ankara, 8 February 2023 (GNP): The whereabouts of former Chelsea and Newcastle footballer Christian Atsu remain unknown following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Atsu was in an 11-story building when the 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit on Monday morning, leading to widespread destruction in the area. With over 11,000 confirmed fatalities, rescue efforts are still underway.
Atsu is a player at Hatayspor. The club’s manager, Mustafa Ozat, reported that Atsu was rescued from the wreckage on Tuesday. At the same time, the Ghana Football Association stated that they had received positive news of his rescue and that he was receiving treatment.
However, the club’s doctor, Gurbey Kahveci, has reported that they have not yet found the 31-year-old.
At this point, be like Ghanaians for mobilize some rescue team make we go dig through the rubble at Hatayspor, Turkey, for Christian Atsu. Because this mistaken identity matter, I no dey barb.#TurkeySyriaEarthquake pic.twitter.com/J2qMFWOz88
— Israel Laryea (@TheIsraelLaryea) February 8, 2023
“According to Kahveci, the club went to Dortyol Hospital after hearing reports of Atsu being taken there, but he was not found. They have come to the unfortunate realization that Atsu and the sporting director Savut Taner are yet to be located.
Wakaso, Atsu’s international teammate, also confirmed that they could not confirm his whereabouts, despite the club announcing that he had been rescued alive. In an Instagram post, Wakaso wrote, “We are still trying to locate Christian despite yesterday’s update from the club.”
“We understand that this is a difficult and traumatic time for Christian’s loved ones and we are making all efforts to find him. We will keep the public informed with official updates as soon as more information becomes available.”
“We kindly ask for privacy and sensitivity for Christian’s family as they endure this difficult moment. We request that people refrain from spreading false information, as this will only impede the ongoing search for Christians. Your thoughts and support are greatly appreciated.”
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Ambassador’s Response
Ambassador of Ghana to Turkey Francisca Ashietey-Odunton communicated with Joy Sports and stated, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured me this morning that they are making a tireless effort to determine which hospital he was taken to and will update me promptly, as I have been pressing them for information so that I can go and visit him.”
“I am in Ankara, the capital in the middle of Turkey. The disaster occurred in the southernmost of the country. All the airports are closed, and all the roads are closed. Nobody is allowed except for the rescue mission. So, what we can do as a mission, is to fall on the host Ministry, who must let us know what happens to our compatriots.”
“However, together with members of the Ghanaian community who live here and including some of them who were at the disaster site, we have been working hand-in-hand with them to get whatever information we can get not only about Christian Atsu but also about other Ghanaians.
“I am glad and thankful that apart from Christian Atsu, all the Ghanaians are accounted for. We didn’t have many in the area and most of them there were students. In the worse affected areas which are the; Adana, Marash provinces and Gazantiep we had students there. We have been in touch with them through members of the Ghanaian community and today I hope and our intention is to evacuate them to Ankara.”
Atsu’s agent’s concerns
Agent Nana Sechere of former Newcastle player- who hasn’t spoken to the player since the earthquake – was told he was alive. He told Mirror Football: “The last I heard from him was midnight on Sunday. Christian and his teammates were playing poker until 3:30 am at a friend’s apartment.
“The journey back to his apartment was around half an hour. He returned at 4 am, and the earthquake started around 20 minutes later. I didn’t know anything until I received a call from a club official at 5 am asking if I’d heard from Christian.
“Please respect the family’s privacy during this harrowing time, and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated news, as this will only hamper the search efforts for Christian. Thank you for all your prayers and support.”