The winger scored a 97th-minute winner for the Turkish club Hatayspor as they beat Kasimpasa 1-0 in the league on Sunday, but just hours later he was reported missing following the earthquake.
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Ghana national football team player Christian Atsu has been found alive after being buried under rubble in the earthquake that hit Turkey. His current club Hatayspor’s vice president Mustafa Ozat confirmed that the 31-year-old has been pulled out with injuries. The 7.8 magnitude quake destroyed thousands of buildings, killing more than 4,800 people in Turkey and neighbouring Syria. He joined the Turkish club Hatayspor in September 2022 and last played for Ghana in 2019.
Atsu has played just 46 minutes of football for Hatayspor since joining the club from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Raed almost six months ago. The winger scored a 97th-minute winner for the Turkish club as they beat Kasimpasa 1-0 in the league on Sunday, but just hours later he was reported missing following the earthquake. “ Christian Atsu was pulled out injured. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble,” club president Ozat said while speaking to Radyo Gol.
Son dakika enfes bir gol💣@ChristianAtsu20#HTYvKAS pic.twitter.com/OSiZZTFeCN
— Hatayspor (@Hatayspor_FK) February 5, 2023
The Ghanaian started his European journey with Portuguese club FC Porto in 2009, before moving to Premier League outfit Chelsea in 2013. However, the winger struggled to settle in at Stamford Bridge and was sent on loan to five different clubs. And eventually Atsu joined Newcastle United in 2017 following a one-year loan spell at St. James’ Park. He helped the Magpies earn promotion from the EFL championship in the 2016-17 campaign. Atsu played 107 games for Newcastle, while scoring 12 goals. And then, in 2021, the attacker was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Raed for a free transfer.
Meanwhile, when it comes to the international circuit, Atsu made his debut for the Black Stars in 2012 at the age of just 20, and then went on to achieve 60 international caps, while scoring 10 goals. “ We pray for Ghana International Christian Atsu and victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria,” the Ghana Football Association tweeted. “ We continue with our efforts to establish contact with officials of Hatayspor and the Turkish Football Federation, considering the difficult situation.” it added.
We pray for Ghana International Christian Atsu and victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
We continue with our efforts to establish contact with officials of Hataspor and the Turkish Football Federation, considering the difficult situation. 1/2
— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 6, 2023
