Former Chelsea and Newcastle star Christian Atsu has reportedly been rescued from being ‘trapped under rubble’ after a catastrophic earthquake struck Turkey and Syria.
The Ghanaian plays for Turkish side Hatayspor based in the region of Kahramanmaras, which was one of the areas hit hardest by the quake. Several of his teammates were also caught in the disaster and rescued while the 31-year-old remained trapped in the wreckage.
A Bola report that Atsu has been found alive and has been taken to hospital with injuries to his right foot and breathing difficulties. Turkish journalist Enes Ozdemir then tweeted: “Hatayspor’s star Christian Atsu was removed from the rubble! Atsu has injured his foot and is having trouble breathing.”
A search-and-rescue operation was launched to find Atsu, as well as Hatayspor’s sporting director Taner Savut, who was also believed to be buried under the rubble.
It comes as a huge relief given the widespread devastation caused by the two earthquakes – the first a 7.8 magnitude and the second a 7.5 – which struck in the early hours of Monday morning. Experts say the death toll could rise to 10,000, with its tremors being felt as far as Egypt and Cyprus.
It came just hours after Atsu scored a 97th-minute winner for his side against Kasimpasa on Sunday. He was held aloft by his adoring teammates after the stunning long-ranged free-kick.
Thousands of fans took to social media to tweet their prayers for the player, who is married with two sons and a daughter.
Former club Newcastle United also tweeted: “Praying for some positive news, @ChristianAtsu20”
Culled from Daily Star.
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