31-year-old Ghana international, Christian Atsu, is among thousands of people trapped in the rubble of the earthquake that shook Turkey on Monday.
Daily Trust had reported how over 2000 persons died in earthquakes which hit Turkey and Syria.
Atsu, who currently plays Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor, was declared missing after his team-mates and members of the club’s technical staff were pulled from the rubble.
Like the football star, the Sporting Director of Hatayspor, Taner Savut, was also declared missing.
Atsu, who scored deep into stoppage time on Sunday to secure a 1-0 win over Kasimpasa, left St James’ Park during the summer of 2021 after making 121 appearances for the club.
Atsu was part of the Magpies team which won promotion back to the Premier League in 2017. He had earlier played in Chelsea and Newcastle.
According to a report, as the death toll continues to rise from the devastating earthquake that has left over a thousand dead in Turkey and Syria, there are fears former Chelsea and Newcastle star Christian Atsu is among those trapped under the rubbles.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked areas of Turkey and Syria on Monday, causing devastation across the countries.
The Ghanaian plays for Turkish club Hatayspor, who are based in the region of Kahramanmaras – one of the worst hit areas by the devastating quake.
The Daily Star reports several of Atsu’s teammates were also caught in the disaster, but have since been rescued and moved to safety.
A search-and-rescue operation has been launched to find the 31-year-old, as well as Hatayspor’s sporting director Taner Savut who is also believed to be under the rubble.
Atsu was on Chelsea’s books for four years but never played a senior match for the Blues, unlike his compatriot Micheal Essien who had a glorious time at the Bridge.
The Ghana star also played for Newcastle United who have since jumped to pray for the safety of their former player.
“Praying for some positive news, Christian Atsu.” Newcastle United posted on Monday.
Also John Dramani Mahama, former Ghana President, called for prayers for Atsu and his club director.
He wrote: ”Let’s continue to pray for our brother, Christian Atsu, and his club director. The city of Hayat is in the region affected by the earthquake. Let’s continue to pray that God spares their lives.”
Let's continue to pray for our brother, Christian Atsu, and his club director. The city of Hayat is in the region affected by the earthquake. Let's continue to pray that God spares their lives. https://t.co/51RKJOc7AZ
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) February 6, 2023
Several other Ghana celebrities have also made similar calls for prayers for Atsu.
