Christian Atsu has been found alive among the rubble of a devastating earthquake in Turkey, but was “removed injured” and many are still missing.
A natural disaster that also impacted the north of Syria has claimed the lives of more than 2,500 people.
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors in freezing conditions, with the hope being that more can be saved.
The region was hit by a powerful tremor in the early hours of February 6, leading to buildings collapsing around those that were left stranded inside, before a second quake in the early afternoon.
Ex Chelsea and Vitesse winger Atsu, who currently plays his club football now for Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor, was among many firstly unaccounted for.
Hatayspor spokesperson, Mustafa Ozat, has now confirmed that Atsu has been found and is undergoing medical attention, but the club’s Sporting Director, Taner Savut, a key figure within the club is still not found.
Ozat has told Radyo Gol: “Christian Atsu was removed from the wreckage injured. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble.”
“Hatay was deeply affected. We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours,” he added.
Messages of hope and support have poured in from across the wider football family for those caught up in the tragedy that has struck Turkey and Syria – including many for Atsu, whose career has seen him play in the Premier League with Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle, as well as in Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.
In a short statement by Chelsea football club official Twitter handle, it read “The thoughts of everyone at Chelsea Football Club are with those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.” With a picture of Christian Atsu.
Newcastle, another club Atsu had also previously played for, wrote “Praying for some positive news”.
31-year-old Atsu has been capped 65 times by Ghana at international level
Meanwhile, It has been reported on Monday night that the Nigerian Football Federation confirmed that all Nigerian football players in Turkey are safe.
