Atsu has been missing since February 6
Christian Atsu’s agent has confirmed that the former Newcastle midfielder still hasn’t been found, nine days since he went missing.
More than 37,000 people have died after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria on 6 February, with a 7.5 one also occurring shortly after.
Atsu, who plays for Turkish side Hatayspor, was reported missing after a number of his teammates and technical staff were rescued from the rubble.
Some reports claimed that the Ghana international had been found, but those have proved to be inaccurate.
The former Newcastle midfielder’s agent, Nana Sechere, has updated Sky Sports on his whereabouts and pleaded for help to find the 31-year-old.
He told them: “It has been nine days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian.
“I am at the quake site in Hatay with Christian’s family. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all the people affected.
“During my time here we have been able to locate Christian Atsu’s exact room location, and we have found two pairs of his shoes.
“Yesterday we received confirmation that thermal imagery was showing signs of up to five lives, however, I am told that the only real confirmation of life is through sight, smell and sound, and unfortunately we were not able to locate Christian.”
Christian Atsu's agent Nana Sechere has sent me a really heart-wrenching update from Hatay, Turkey, where they are still searching for the player following the earthquake; #nufc pic.twitter.com/ibSXVHGA3F
— Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) February 14, 2023
Sechere has called upon his club and the mayor of Hatay, Lutfu Savas, to provide more support to find the midfielder.
“This is a difficult situation and we are extremely grateful to all the Turkish and foreign rescue teams, local civilians and volunteers for their efforts and response in rescuing survivors,” he added.
“However, we urgently need more resources, including a translator, on the ground. Things are moving incredibly slow and, as a result of that, many rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost due to the lack of resources available to the workers.
“It is unfortunate that the club is not on the ground with us, side by side, in the search for Christian. Their position and influence, accompanied with their local knowledge would be extremely helpful.
“We implore the president of the club and mayor of Hatay, Lutfu Savas, to provide additional resources to speed up the rescue efforts as a priority.”
Related links:
- Thousands offer to adopt baby born under the rubble of Syria earthquake
- Little girl spends 17 hours protecting her baby brother’s head under earthquake rubble
- Ex-Premier League star ‘trapped in rubble’ after earthquake in Turkey
