Christian Atsu found 'alive but injured' following Turkey earthquake

Updated 07/02/2023 at 09:37 GMT

Hatayspor club vice president Mustafa Ozat says that midfielder Christian Atsu has been found alive “with injuries” after being rescued from the wreckage following the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. The Ghana international had initially been reported missing but Ozat addressed local media to say that the player had been found.

A file photo dated February 2, 2023 shows Christian Atsu (30) of Atakas Hatayspor celebrating a goal during a Turkish Super Lig match between Atakas Hatayspor and Kasimpasa at Yeni Hatay Stadium in Hatay, Turkiye.

Image credit: Getty Images

Former Newcastle and Chelsea midfielder Christian Atsu has been found alive and transferred to hospital following Monday's devastating earthquake in Turkey.

Initial reports said the Hatayspor player, along with sporting director Taner Savut, was missing after a 7.8 magnitude quake struck near Gaziantep in the early hours of Monday.

However, Hatayspor club vice president Mustafa Ozat has provided an update, saying Atsu has been found.

Premier League

‘We were very composed’ – Ten Hag hails Man Utd recovery after ‘unacceptable’ mistakes

6 hours ago

"Christian Atsu was removed from the wreckage with injuries,” he told local media. “Unfortunately, our sporting director Taner Savut is still under the rubble."

Hatayspor is located in the region of Hatay, which was among one the worst areas affected by the quake.

Neighbouring Syria was also hit, with the devastating earthquake killing more than 4,800 people and injuring thousands more.

"Hatay was deeply affected,” Ozat added. “We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours."

Astu’s team-mates Onur Ergun and Burak Oksuz were earlier found alive by rescue teams while other Hatayspor players Ruben Ribeiro, Ze Luis, and Kerim Alici are also safe.

Members of the club’s technical staff, Ekrem Eksioglu and Osman Ates, also survived the quake.

Ghanaian international Atsu joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013. After a series of loans, he then made the permanent switch to Newcastle in 2017.

He moved to Saudi side Al Raed in 2021 and joined Hatayspor last summer.

The 31-year-old scored his first goal for the club in their 1-0 win over Kasimpasa on Sunday.

Football