Amid the conflicting reports of the rescue of Ghanaian international footballer Christian Atsu from the rubble of the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, his agent Nana Sechere has revealed that his whereabouts are yet to be confirmed. Former Newcastle midfielder Atsu joined Turkey’s Süper Lig side Hatayspor in September, based in the southern province of Hatay near the epicenter of Monday’s massive earthquake. Earlier reports had come out that the footballer was rescued and was treated in hospital, but the statement of his agent contradicts that.
“Following yesterday’s update from the club that Christian has been withdrawn alive, we are yet to confirm Christian’s whereabouts,” Sechere said on Twitter.
“As you can imagine, this continues to be a devastating time for his family and we are doing everything we can to locate Christian.
“Official updates will be provided as more information comes to light. Please respect the privacy of the families at this harrowing time and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated news as it will only hinder Christian’s search efforts.
“Thank you for all your prayers and support.”
Following yesterday’s update from the club that Christian had been pulled out alive, we are yet to confirm Christian’s whereabouts. As you can imagine, this continues to be a devastating time for his family and we are doing everything we can to locate Christian. pic.twitter.com/WKteG3l4cp
— Nana Sechere (@iAmNana7) February 8, 2023
The Ghana Football Association had previously expressed its joy at the news of Atsu’s rescue.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, had said in a conversation with Accra-based Asaase Radio that Atsu had been found, citing the head of the Ghanaian association.
However, the statements did not say when Atsu was pulled from the rubble and gave no details about his condition.
Dozens of countries have offered aid since the magnitude 7.8 quake struck early Monday while people slept. The freezing weather has made emergency aid more difficult.
Multi-storey apartments filled with residents were among more than 5,600 buildings reduced to rubble in Turkey, as Syria announced dozens of collapses.
(with AFP inputs)
Featured video of the day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Lionel Messi shirt as a gift
Topics mentioned in this article
