By Ntokozo Magongo
Ghana international Christian Atsu is among the footballers reportedly to be among the victims of the earthquake that hit Turkey on Monday.
Atsu who plays for Turkish Super League (Premier League) Hatayspor is said to be trapped under rubble after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria
There are more than 1,300 people reportedly killed and 6,000 were injured in the disaster including footballers and athletes. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) in a statement confirmed that Atsu was among the victims who are yet to be recovered from the rubble.
“We pray for Ghana International Christian Atsu and victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. We continue with our efforts to establish contact with officials of Hatayspor and the Turkish Football Federation, considering the difficult situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Atsu and our brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria. We remain hopeful for positive news,” reads a statement from the Ghana football mother body.
Atsu has played for top football clubs in the world including Chelsea, Newcastle, FC Porto, Everton and Bournemouth among others. Social media platforms have been awash with messages of support and concern over the safety of Atsu and those still trapped.
Please pray for #Christian Atsu 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RtXFm3iswE
— Monica Bukari (@MonicaBukari_MB) February 6, 2023
Pray for Christian Atsu at Hatayspor #PrayForAtsu pic.twitter.com/cW5vjUHEzc
— Prof_Neat_Patricia (@Prof_neat) February 6, 2023
#PrayForAtsu 🖤🤍🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/8lZDitghVs
— Newcastle Fans TV (@NewcastleFansTV) February 6, 2023
The incident happens at a time when African Football is mourning the passing away of former Orlando Pirates and South African national team player John Moeti.
He passed away on Monday morning as confirmed by his former side Orlando Pirates.
