Ghana star Christian Atsu has been pulled alive and sound from the wreckage after spending 26 hours under the rubble following Monday dawn's devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey.
Hatayspor's Vice President, Mustapha Ozat, has confirmed this in an interview, indicating that the club's sporting director is still unaccounted for.
“Christian Atsu was removed with injuries. Unfortunately, our sporting director Taner Savut is still under the rubble."
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has also confirmed receiving the news of the 31-year-old's recovery and asked for continuous prayers for the former Chelsea winger.
"We've received some positive news that Christian Atsu has been successfully rescued from the rubble of the collapsed building and is receiving treatment," the GFA said in a social media statement.
"Let’s continue to pray for Christian."
Turkish reporter, Yagiz Sabuncuoglu told Joy Sports the winger's health is currently being monitored.
"It's good news but we're following his condition because, when someone is rescued from under rubble, it means he hasn't eaten or drank anything.
"So the person's condition is very important after the rescue. That's why we're following up with the hospital."
Christian Atsu signed a one-year deal with the Turkish Super Lig side, Hatayspor, in September 2022 and only scored his first goal on Sunday against Kasimpasa.
Background
A powerful earthquake has struck south-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, killing more than 5,000 people as they slept and trapping many others.
The US Geological Survey said the 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km (11 miles) near the city of Gaziantep.
Hours later, a second quake, which had a magnitude of 7.5, hit the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaras province.
So far, more than 3,500 people have died in Turkey and 1,600 in Syria.
Latest Stories
-
You have a special role in shaping our elections – Akufo-Addo to Ghanaian workers
4 mins -
ECG staff walkout during Ashanti Regional Minister’s speech at May Day event
22 mins -
Seventy percent of SMEs productivity lost to power crises in Central Region
32 mins -
We commend Bawumia for waking others up to come home and develop – Savannah NPP chair
35 mins -
SML-GRA contract – Legal Practitioner counters KPMG findings on parliamentary ratification
41 mins -
Do something about dumsor now – TUC tells Akufo-Addo at May Day event
44 mins -
Viewing Economics from a female lens: Legacy of Ghana’s first female Professor of Econs
47 mins -
Vaccines are safe, get your children immunized against killer diseases – Ghana Health Service
49 mins -
Glovo, five other multinational brands, and why they left Ghana
56 mins -
Narcotics Control Commission seizes 20.5kg of cannabis
1 hour -
One suspect arrested over killing of military officer at Kasoa
1 hour -
Maritime Security Threats: Global collaboration, commitment needed to overcome risks – Akufo-Addo
2 hours -
AWUSCO develops 6-year Scientific Strategic Plan towards digital transformation
2 hours -
May Day: I’m prepared to work with you again to meet Ghana’s needs – Mahama assures workers
2 hours -
Build digital skills to enhance employability – KNUST Vice-Chancellor urges students
2 hours