The world came to a standstill watching the tragic scenes unfold in Turkey, who were hit by
multiple high magnitude earthquakes in a span of two days. Over 5,000 people have lost their
lives while over 20,000 people were injured across the country. Ghanaian international
footballer Christian Atsu was also in the country and found himself buried in the rubble of a
building.

However, much to the delight of football fans in the African country and across the world, he
was rescued. Atsu, who represents Turkish club Hatayspor, was quickly taken to a local hospital
and as per a statement released by his agent and the Ghanaian Football Association, he is
stable and continues to receive the required treatment.

“We’ve received some positive news that Christian Atsu has been successfully rescued from the
rubble of the collapsed building and is receiving treatment. Let’s continue to pray for Christian,”
the Ghanaian FA posted on Twitter. Atsu had been celebrating on Sunday night after he scored
a last minute winner in his club’s 1-0 home league game against Kasimpasa, his agent said.

Atsu’s agent Nana Sechere confirmed that he was on the 9th floor of a 11-storeyed building. He
mentioned that the club officials were also trying their best to rescue the player, but it was very
difficult as multiple people were injured after the building’s collapse. However, he was taken out
and the officials were successful in taking him to the nearest medical facility.

Atsu’s injury quickly became a major talking point in the footballing world with reactions coming
from all over the globe. His former club Everton wished him a speedy recovery amidst the
tensions. Atsu formerly had represented other English top clubs like Chelsea, Bournemouth and
Newcastle United.

Hatayspor’s vice president Mustafa Ozat also mentioned that the club director Taner Savut
remains under the rubble and has not been found as yet. There were multiple other casualties
as well, with second-tier Turkish club Yeni Malatyaspor confirming on Twitter later on Tuesday
that their goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan had died in the earthquake.