Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu has apparently not been found contrary to widespread reports that the former Newcastle player was found among earthquake rubble and moved to a hospital.
This was reported by Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglo who indicated that the Ghanaian footballer had been pulled out alive and taken to a hospital.
However after more than 24 hours since that update officials of the club have revealed that contact has still not been established with Atsu and Sporting Director Taner Savut.
Club Doctor of Atsu’s Turkish Super League side Hatayspor, Gurbey Kahveci, made this revelation in an interview with Hurriyet Turkey.
“When we heard he was taken to Dortyol Hospital, we went and looked but he was not there. At the moment we accept that Savut Taner (Hatayspor Sporting Director) and Christian Atsu were not found unfortunately” he said.
Atsu was buried under rubble from earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday; the two earthquakes had a 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude respectively. A third earthquake with a 5.4 magnitude struck Turkey early this morning.
The former Bournemouth player scored the only goal in Hatayspor’s 1-0 win over Kasimpasa in the league. It was his debut goal for Hatayspor since joining the club from Saudi side Al-Raeb.
He spent eight seasons in the English Premier League competing for the likes of Everton Football Club. The 31 year old played for Ghana’s Black Stars at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and was named the Best Player at the 2015 AFCON.