Ex-Premier League star Christian Atsu ‘found alive’ in rubble from Turkey earthquake

Former Chelsea and Newcastle winger Christian Atsu has been found alive after he was trapped in rubble following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake which occurred in Turkey

Christian Atsu has reportedly been found alive following reports that he was ‘trapped’ after an earthquake in Turkey.

The 31-year-old, who played for both Chelsea and Newcastle during his time in the Premier League, was caught up in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which occurred on Monday.

Portuguese outlet A Bola have reported that Atsu has now been rescued from the rubble and has been transported to hospital after suffering injuries to his right foot and breathing difficulties.

Journalist Saddick Adams claimed he had been in contact with Atsu’s management team and confirmed the winger was safe. Adams had earlier tweeted that Atsu “was on the 9th floor of the collapsed building with 9 other players and 2 officials. 3 players and one official have been rescued. Officials of the club are at the site as search continues.”

Hatayspor, Atsu’s current club, is located in the Turkish city of the Hatay, which is believed to be one of the areas worst affected by the incident. As well as Atsu, it has been reported that the club’s sporting director Taner Savut and an interpreter were also trapped following the earthquake.

Other footballers, including Onur Ergun and Burak Oksuz, were rescued following the incident. Two other team-mates of Atsu, Ruben Ribeiro and Ze Luis, are also safe, while Kerim Alici managed to free himself from the rubble.

Atsu, who joined Chelsea as a youngster back in 2013 after leaving Porto, also had spells with a number of other top-flight clubs including Everton and Bournemouth before moving to St James’ Park.

By mirror