Christian Atsu is Yet to Be Found Nine Days After the Turkey Earthquake

Exactly nine days since the earthquake hit Turkey and Syria killing over forty thousand people, Ghanaian footballer  Christian Atsu was among those who were found missing in the  7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit south–eastern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6.

Atsu, who plays for Turkish side Hatayspor was reported missing after the club`s technical members were pulled out of the rubble. Last week there were reports that a former Newcastle player had been freed, but the report was incorrect and the Ghanaian international remains missing.

According to   Atsu`s agent, Nana Sechere, the player's family is on the ground in Turkey searching for their son.

“It’s been 9 days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian. I am at the quake site in Hatay with Christian`s family. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all the affected”. Said Nana Sechere on his Twitter account.

The agent further stated that they had relocated Atsu`s exact room and found two pairs of shoes belonging to a black star player.

“During my time here we have been able to locate Christian Astu`s exact room location, and we have found two pairs of his shoes”. Nana Sechere Atsu`s agent.

Sechere however indicated that things were moving slowly making rescue missions delayed and calling upon the club to come to their aid by providing more resources to help in the search.

“Things are moving slowly and as a result of that many rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost due to lack of resources available to the workers, “Wrote Nana Sechere

“It's unfortunate that the club is not on the ground with us, side by side, in search of Christian. Their position and influence could be helpful, we implore the President of the club and mayor of Hatay, Lutfu Savas to provide additional resources to speed up the rescue efforts as a priority”, the statement added.

On February 8, 2023, unconfirmed reports indicated that Christian had been pulled out alive and was yet to confirm his whereabouts.