Ex-Chelsea footballer Christian Atsu recovered from the Turkey earthquake alive but gravely injured.
Christian Atsu, a former player for Chelsea and Newcastle, was found alive after being buried under the debris following the horrific earthquake that struck Turkey on Monday and resulted in the deaths of over 4,000 people.
The Ghanian player was reportedly among those still unaccounted for as of Monday afternoon, following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep with a series of aftershocks, followed by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that dramatically increased the death toll and destroyed dozens of buildings.
Despite being discovered alive, Atsu has been injured, according to the Daily Mail, as confirmed on Tuesday by the vice president of the Turkish club Hatayspor, where Atsu plays. This comes after rumors that he had been rescued on Monday night surfaced.
Prior to joining Super Lig team Hataysport last summer, Atsu had previously played for Chelsea, Everton, and Newcastle United.
Taner Savut, the club’s sporting director, was also reported missing along with Atsu but has not yet been located.
According to a reported statement from the vice president, Christian Atsu was injured. Taner Savut, our director of sports, is regrettably still buried in the debris.
“Hatay was deeply affected. We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours,” he added.