Former Newcastle United player Christian Atsu is believed to be under rubble following earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday.
Southeast Turkey and northern Syria were shaken by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the early hours, followed by a 7.5 second earthquake.
31-year-old Ghanaian coach Taner Suvut, who currently plays in Turkish Super League club Hatayspor, disappeared after his teammates and technical staff were rescued.
“Taner Savut and Christian Atsu were left under the rubble,” Star Gazete said. Search and rescue teams are looking for two names.
Christian Atsu, who scored in extra time to beat Kasimpasa 1-0 on Saturday, left St James’ Park when he joined Saudi club Al Raed in the summer of 2021. He joined Turkey last September.
He started his professional career playing for Portuguese clubs Rio Ave and Porto before signing for Chelsea in 2013, but was sent on loan to Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem almost immediately.
This was the first of a series of interim signings, notably helping Everton (Premier League) and Spanish club Malaga secure their first division return for the 2016-17 season before joining Newcastle on their first loan.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez later signed the winger for nearly £6m permanently, who scored nine goals in 69 international appearances for his country, eventually joining the club 121 times.
“Pray for positive news, @ChristianAtsu20” read a message on Newcastle’s official Twitter account.
Pray for some positive news, @ChristianAtsu20. pic.twitter.com/HQT6yZOmRB
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 6, 2023
Meanwhile, Turkish 2nd League club Yeni Matalyaspor confirmed that 28-year-old goalkeeper Ahmet Eyüp Türkaslan is also missing.
The 2nd League club made a statement on its Instagram account, “Our goalkeeper Ahmet Eyüp Türkaslan is in the building that was damaged and destroyed in the earthquake.
“Search and rescue work continues. There is no news from him at the moment.”
Melissa Tella
Source: Programme Television
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