Soccer player Christian Atsu missing in Turkey earthquake found alive
Turkey, Syria hit by deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake
The deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake toppled hundreds of buildings in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria.
Cody Godwin, USA TODAY
Soccer player Christian Atsu has been found buried alive in the rubble from the massive earthquake in Turkey, an official with his club told reporters Tuesday.
Atsu, who plays for Hatayspor in the Turkish Super Lig, was with team personnel when the 7.8 magnitude quake leveled buildings and killed more than 5,000 people in Turkey and Syria on Monday.
“Christian Atsu was pulled out injured. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble,” club vice president Mustafa Ozat said, according to Reuters.
Ghana’s Football Association also confirmed Atsu was found alive and that he was receiving treatment for unspecified injuries.
Atsu, 31, has made 65 international appearances for Ghana. He scored nine goals for his national team and was named to the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.
The striker scored the only goal in Hatayspor’s 1-0 victory over Kasimpasa on Sunday night, then hours later was reported missing when the quake hit Turkey and northern Syria early Monday.
Atsu has also played for Chelsea and Newcastle United in the English Premier League during his pro career.
