Concern about international soccer player Christian Atsu after Turkey earthquakes
Editor's note: This story and headline have been updated to reflect that early reports of Atsu's rescue could not be verified; his agent says Atsu remains missing.
Ghanaian soccer player Christian Atsu was initially reported rescued from rubble of a collapsed building in Turkey following the deadly earthquakes to hit the country and neighboring Syria. But his agent later said Atsu had not been located and remained missing.
The Ghana Football Association announced on Feb. 7 that the 31-year-old winger, who played for the country during the 2014 World Cup and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, was "successfully rescued" and was receiving treatment.
"Let's continue to pray for Christian," the organization said.
Update: We've received some positive news that Christian Atsu has been successfully rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building and is receiving treatment.
— Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) February 7, 2023
Let’s continue to pray for Christian🙏🏽
Atsu currently plays for the Turkish club Hatayspor in the Hatay province, which was hit hard by the quake. According to CBS Sports, Atsu scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win over Kasimpasa hours before the earthquake.
"Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble," Hatayspor vice president Mustafa Ozat said, according to the Reuters news agency.
Atsu previously played for Premier League clubs Newcastle United, Everton and Chelsea, which all sent well-wishes.
"Our thoughts remain with Christian, his loved ones and all those affected by Monday's devastating earthquakes," Newcastle United wrote.
Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay told reporters Tuesday that 8,000 people had been pulled from under rubble. He said there were 20,000 people in national rescue teams.
While rescue missions continue, the death toll from Monday's devastating earthquakes and more than 300 aftershocks in Turkey and Syria rose into the thousands, authorities said.