Christian Atsu: Former Newcastle winger still missing nine days after Turkey earthquake

Former Newcastle winger Christian Atsu is missing after earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria on February 6; There have been reports the 31-yr–antique had been rescued however the Ghanian has still no longer been placed; Atsu’s agent Nana Sechere is attractive for extra resources to resource rescue efforts
Ghana winger Christian Atsu remains lacking, says his agent Nana Sechere

Former Newcastle winger Christian Atsu remains missing 9 days after an earthquake in Turkey, along with his agent Nana Sechere attractive for extra sources to useful resource rescue efforts.

greater than 37,000 human beings had been killed after a 7.eight value earthquake hit south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria in the course of the early hours of February 6, observed through a 2d of seven.five.

Atsu, who plays for Turkish facet Hatayspor, become mentioned missing after group–associates and members of the club‘s technical team of workers were pulled from the rubble. There have been reports ultimate week that the Ghana global had additionally been freed, but they were incorrect and he stays lacking.

“it’s been nine days because the earthquake and we nonetheless have now not positioned Christian,” examine a declaration given to Sky sports information from Atsu’s agent Sechere.

“i’m on the quake web page in Hatay with Christian’s family. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are damaged for all the human beings affected.

“all through my time right here we were able to find Christian Atsu’s specific room area, and we’ve got discovered two pairs of his footwear.

“the day before today we received confirmation that thermal imagery became showing signs and symptoms of as much as five lives, however, i’m instructed that the handiest actual affirmation of life is through sight, smell and sound, and sadly we have been now not able to find Christian.”

Sechere has referred to as upon Hatayspor and Lutfu Savas, the mayor of Hatay, to provide extra resources to assist the rescue attempt.

He added: “that is a tough scenario and we’re extremely grateful to all the Turkish and foreign rescue groups, neighborhood civilians and volunteers for their efforts and reaction in rescuing survivors.

“however, we urgently need greater assets, including a translator, on the ground. matters are shifting notably gradual and, because of that, many rescues are being delayed, and lives are being misplaced due to the lack of resources available to the workers.

“it’s miles unfortunate that the club isn’t always on the floor with us, side through side, inside the search for Christian. Their function and have an impact on, accompanied with their local understanding could be extraordinarily helpful.

“We implore the president of the membership and mayor of Hatay, Lutfu Savas, to offer extra sources to speed up the rescue efforts as a concern.”

Atsu became part of the Newcastle team which gained advertising returned to the most suitable League in 2017 after becoming a member of on loan for the season from Chelsea, and later completed a permanent circulate. He also had brief spells at Everton and Bournemouth on a brief foundation.

Atsu, who scored deep into stoppage time in Hatayspor’s closing recreation to relaxed a 1-0 win over Kasimpasa, left St James’ Park all through the summer season of 2021 after making 121 appearances for the club.

Turkish goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan died following Monday’s earthquake within the united states.

The 28-year–vintage‘s club, 2nd division Yeni Malatyaspor, confirmed the information on Twitter.

“Our goalkeeper, Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan, lost his lifestyles after being below the crumble of the earthquake. relaxation in peace,” they wrote. “we are able to not neglect you, beautiful character.”