Ex-Chelsea star Christian Atsu ‘rescued from Turkey earthquake rubble’

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    Former Chelsea and Newcastle star Christian Atsu has reportedly been rescued from being 'trapped under rubble' after a catastrophic earthquake struck Turkey and Syria.

    The Ghanaian plays for Turkish side Hatayspor based in the region of Kahramanmaras, which was one of the areas hit hardest by the quake. Several of his teammates were also caught in the disaster and rescued while the 31-year-old remained trapped in the wreckage.

    A Bola report that Atsu has been found alive and has been taken to hospital with injuries to his right foot and breathing difficulties.

    READ MORE: Ex-Chelsea and Newcastle ace Christian Atsu 'trapped under rubble' after Turkey earthquake

    A search-and-rescue operation was launched to find Atsu, as well as Hatayspor's sporting director Taner Savut, who was also believed to be buried under the rubble.

    It comes as a huge relief given the widespread devastation caused by the two earthquakes – the first a 7.8 magnitude and the second a 7.5 – which struck in the early hours of Monday morning. Experts say the death toll could rise to 10,000, with its tremors being felt as far as Egypt and Cyprus.

    It came just hours after Atsu scored a 97th-minute winner for his side against Kasimpasa on Sunday. He was held aloft by his adoring teammates after the stunning long-ranged free-kick.

    Thousands of fans took to social media to tweet their prayers for the player, who is married with two sons and a daughter.

    Former club Newcastle United also tweeted: "Praying for some positive news, @ChristianAtsu20"

    Atsu joined Chelsea from Porto for £3.5m in 2013, and was immediately loaned out to Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem. Following a year in Holland he joined Everton on loan, but only ended up making five appearances for the Toffees.

    He was recalled to Chelsea half-way through another spell at Bournemouth, before his loan move to Newcastle was made permanent in 2017.

    The Ghana international played 86 times for the Magpies before joining Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Raed in 2021, and the following year he moved to Turkey to join Hatayspor.

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    • Chelsea FC
    • Newcastle United FC
    • Premier League
    • Bournemouth FC
    • Everton FC
    • Earthquake

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