Turkey earthquake: Where is Chelsea’s ex-winger, Christian Atsu as death toll hits 33,000
The whereabouts of Hatayspor player, Christian Atsu, is still unknown after the Turkey earthquake on February 6, DAILY POST reports.
Today marks one week since devastating earthquakes struck in southern Turkey and northern Syria and the death toll has now reached over 33,000 (31,643 in Turkey and more than 5,714 in Syria) as desperate rescue operations continue.
Thousands of people are currently injured, while millions have been left homeless. Turkish authorities have already started arresting property developers and have issued warrants for over 100 more.
However, DAILY POST reports that Atsu is part of the many victims trapped in the Turkey earthquake that has claimed thousands of lives, and the toll is rising as a wide area was hit.
The Ghanaian winger’s whereabouts remain unknown after tremors from the deadly quake – which lasted about one minute and could be Turkey’s largest ever – were felt as far away as Egypt, Lebanon and the island of Cyprus.
Contrary to initial reports, Atsu is yet to be rescued from the rubble of the devastating earthquake that rocked Turkey and neighbouring Syria.
Wild jubilation greeted the initial report that Atsu had been rescued; however, the latest updates from the player’s club indicate otherwise.
Atsu’s agent, Nana Sekyere, also revealed that all his efforts to find his client are yet to yield anything positive.
A day before the devastating earthquake, Atsu came off the bench to score his first goal for Hatayspor as they won Kasimpasa 1-0 in the Turkish Super Lig.
The 31-year-old was brought on in the 82nd minute for his third appearance of the season for his team when he replaced Rayan Aabid.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle United star scored a long-range free-kick in stoppage time to take Hatayspor out of the relegation zone to the 14th position on the table.
Speaking on the development, Engr. Audu Ojo, the head coach of Dawaki Rangers FC, told DAILY POST: “The story of Christian Atsu is a sympathetic one. I just believe he will be rescued in Jesus’ name.”
Do you still feel the Turkey rescue team will find Atsu? Ojo said, “I am very optimistic that the Turkish rescue team will find him alive by God’s grace. I just believe that nothing is too difficult for God to do. I believe in him because he is the Alpha and Omega and the same yesterday, today and forever more.”
What message do you have for Atsu’s wife, children, loved ones and Ghanaians over the missing footballer?
Ojo added, “I want to join my faith with the wife, children and Ghanaians at large that nothing is too difficult for God to do. They should believe Christian Atsu would be rescued alive. His name ‘Christian’, meaning ‘Christ-like’, will speak for him. The Lord will strengthen the family.”
