Former Newcastle winger Christian Atsu is still missing after nine days after the earthquake in Turkey. In the early hours of February 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, followed by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake, struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, killing more than 37,000 people. After teammates and members of the club’s coaching staff had been extricated from the rubble, Atsu, a player for Hatayspor of Turkey, was reported missing. The Ghanaian international was said to have been released last week, but those reports were false, and he is still absent.
“Nine days have passed since the earthquake, and Christian is still missing,” Nana Schere, an agent of former Newcastle winger Christian Atsu said. “Along with Christian’s family, I am in Hatay visiting the earthquake scene. Our hearts are torn for all those impacted by the scenes, which are beyond comprehension. Christian Atsu’s specific room location and two of his pairs of shoes have both been found during my time here. Earlier today, we learned that thermal imaging had detected up to five possible lives; but, I’ve been told that the only true evidence of life is sight, smell, and sound, and sadly, we were unable to find Christian.”
“We are very appreciative of all the Turkish and international rescue personnel, as well as the local people and volunteers, for their efforts and quick action in saving survivors in this tough scenario,” he added. “However, we urgently want more assistance on the ground, particularly a translator. The pace of events is so slow that numerous rescue operations are being postponed and lives are being lost as a result of the personnel’s inability to access necessary equipment.”
After joining Newcastle on loan from Chelsea for the 2017 season and eventually making a permanent transfer, Atsu was a part of the club that earned promotion back to the Premier League. He also briefly served on a short basis at Everton and Bournemouth. In Hatayspor’s final match, Atsu scored in injury time to give his team a 1-0 victory over Kasimpasa. Atsu left St James’ Park in the summer of 2021 after 121 appearances for the club. Following the earthquake that struck Turkey on Monday, goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan passed away.
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