Rescuers on Tuesday pulled Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu from the rubble of a building that had collapsed in a devastating earthquake that killed thousands. “The player was pulled from the rubble of the building with injuries,” said Hatayspor vice president Mustafa Ozat, who Atsu now plays for. But Ozat told Turkish broadcaster Gül that the club’s sports director, Taner Savut, was still under the rubble of the collapsed building.
The Ghana Football Association said on its Twitter account: “We have received positive news that Atsu has been rescued and successfully recovered from the rubble of a collapsed building and is currently undergoing treatment. Keep praying for him.”
The former Ghana striker made 107 appearances for Newcastle in five seasons between 2016 and 2021 and has also played for other English clubs such as Chelsea, Everton and Bournemouth. The 31-year-old winger joined Hatayspor last September from Saudi side Al Raed.
On Sunday, a few hours before the earthquake, Atsu scored the winning goal for his team in the seventh minute of stoppage time from a free kick against Kasimpasa (1-0) in the Turkish league.
