Former Ghana And Newcastle Forward Atsu Pulled Alive From Turkey Earthquake Rubble
Former Ghana and Newcastle United forward Christian Atsu has been pulled alive from the rubbles of the earthquake that rocked Turkey on Monday.
More than 5,000 people have been reported dead since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria.
Hatayspor forward Atsu had been reported missing alongside sporting director Taner Savut.
But while Atsu has been retrieved from the wreckage alive with injuries, Savut remains unaccounted for.
"Christian Atsu was removed from the wreckage with injuries," Hatayspor vice president Mustafa Ozat told Turkish radio station Radyo Gol.
"Unfortunately, our sporting director Taner Savut is still under the rubble."
He added: “Hatay was deeply affected. We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours.”
Ghana’s football association wrote on Twitter: “Update: We’ve received some positive news that Christian Atsu has been successfully rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building and is receiving treatment. Let’s continue to pray for Christian.”
The Kahramanmaras province in Turkey was the hardest hit while places like Adana and Gaziantep have also suffered serious destruction.
All sporting activities in Turkey have been suspended indefinitely.
Atsu has been capped 65 times for Ghana and named player of the tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 31-year-old scored a 90th minute winner for Hatayspor against Kasimpasa on Sunday.
Atsu counts Chelsea, FC Porto, Everton and Bournemouth among his former clubs
