By Ntokozo Magongo
Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu has been rescued from the rubble of a destroyed building following the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria.
The Hatayspor player campaigning in the Turkish Super League (Premier League) was rescued with injuries after spending over 24 hours in the rumble with his club Vice President Mustafa Ozat.
They were among the thousands of people who were victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake as over 4 000 people were reported dead. Atsu scored a winner for his team on Sunday against Kasimpasa in a 1-0 win before the earthquake that shocked the world early Monday morning.
Read More: Ghana international Atsu among Turkey earthquake victims
According to the Mailonlinesport, the former English Premier League sides Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton player was taken out of the rubble with injuries but alive.
On Tuesday morning Atsu’s team-mate Kerim Alici, a close friend, also confirmed on Turkish TV that the player had been rescued alive. The earthquake is hard where Atsu’s team is based. The death toll is expected to rise as many are still believed to be trapped beneath the debris of the crumbled buildings.
Praying for some positive news, @ChristianAtsu20. 🙏🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/HQT6yZOmRB
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 6, 2023
Nations and organisations have offered to help with rescue operations in northwest Syria and southeast Turkey as several people are still reported to be missing.
Atsu is among the African stars that have represented his country, Ghana in several tournaments. The 31-year-old is expected to be out of action for some time, nursing the injuries suffered from the earthquake.
