ISTANBUL, TURKEY – Christian Atsu, the Ghanaian international footballer, has been rescued from the wreckage of a building that was devastated by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. With 4,800 fatalities reported, the rescue operation was challenging but Atsu was successfully extracted with injuries.
The 31-year-old, who currently plays for Hatayspor in the Turkish Super Lig, was trapped in the collapsed building. Mustafa Özat, Hatayspor’s Vice President, expressed gratitude for Atsu’s rescue and said, “We are grateful to have Christian Atsu out of the rubble and receiving medical treatment. We are still praying for Taner Savut, our sporting director, who remains trapped, but we have hope that he too will be rescued safely.”
Atsu, a versatile and dynamic attacker, has a wealth of experience, having played for several top clubs in the English Premier League, including Newcastle United, Chelsea, Everton, and Bournemouth. With 65 caps for the Ghanaian national team, Atsu is known for his pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal, making him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
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Rescue workers have described the situation at the collapsed building as “challenging” but expressed hope for more survivors to be rescued in the coming hours. A rescuer said, “We are working around the clock to find and rescue as many people as possible. The support from the community has been heartening, and it gives us the strength to keep going.”
Atsu’s recent performance on the field was also noteworthy as he scored the winning goal in the 90th minute of Hatayspor’s Super Lig match against Kasimpasa on Sunday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Atsu and all those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We hope for a quick and full recovery for the footballer and all those injured.