It has been more than nine days and there is still no news of Christian Atsu. Atsu was staying in a city called Hatay in southern Turkey when the country was devastated by the earthquake. The earthquake which struck parts of Turkey and neighboring Syria has claimed more than 33,000 lives. Although it has been more than nine days since the earthquake, Christian Atsu hasn’t still been located.
Christian Atsu, the Ghanaian soccer star, plays for the Turkish club, Hatayspor. After the disaster occurred, Hatayspor reported that Atsu has been rescued from the rubble and he has suffered some injuries. It was also reported that unfortunately, Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut was still trapped under the rubble. However, Hatayspor manager Volkan Demirel, later on, revealed that there was still no news about Atsu or Savut.
He spoke to the children on saturday morning, that was the last time I heard from him.”
🗣 Christian Atsu’s wife.#ChristianAtsu
Video📹: BBC News pic.twitter.com/ObfQNJbUYa
— Sikka Fm (@sikkafm) February 11, 2023
While the search for Atsu lingers on, his wife, Marie-Claire Rupio, is praying for her husband’s life. While speaking to the BBC, Marie-Claire said, “His agent is in Turkey and he is trying to get to the place where it happened. They know where the building is and they are trying to rescue everybody. They know that there are people still under the rubble, but the problem is that they don’t have the equipment necessary to get him out. We don’t know where he is. I still pray and believe he is alive.”
Marie-Claire also requested Hatayspor, Atsu’s club, to offer their support in the search for Christian Atsu. She appealed to the club as well as the Turkish authorities and the British government to send their support in form of equipment that will help to rescue Atsu and other victims who were trapped inside the rubble caused due to the earthquake.
Agent confirms reports about Christian Atsu being found alive are false
Christian Atsu’s agent, Nana Sechere, also confirmed that the news that Hatayspor released about Atsu being found alive was false. Nana is currently in Hatay and is trying to locate the former Newcastle United winger. Recently, Nana revealed that Astu’s hotel room had been located where they have found his pair of shoes.
As per The Athletic, Nana said, “Yesterday we received confirmation that thermal imagery was showing signs of up to five lives. However, I am told that the only real confirmation of life is through sight, smell, and sound, and unfortunately, we were not able to locate Christian. This is a difficult situation and we are extremely grateful to all the Turkish and foreign rescue teams, local civilians, and volunteers for their efforts and response in rescuing survivors. “
Nana has also appealed for the provision of more resources which will help to speed up Atsu’s evacuation. He has also requested a translator and has asked Hatayspor to help them find Atsu. Nana added that Hatayspor’s knowledge and influence would be extremely useful to rescue Atsu as soon as possible.