Ghana national player Christian Atsu Christian Atsu has been found alive in the rubble of an earthquake in Turkey.
The deadly quake killed more than 4,800 people in Turkey and neighbouring Syria,
Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey on Tuesday confirmed that the former Newcastle midfielder had been found alive.
Atsu, 31, plays for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor.
Hatayspor is based in the southern province of Hatay near the epicentre of Monday’s massive quake.
“I have good news coming. I am just getting information from the president of the Ghana association that Christian Atsu has been found in Hatay,” Francisca Ashietey-Odunton told Accra-based Asaase Radio.
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On Monday, Hatayspor official Mustafa Ozat said that Atsu was still in the rubble and was trying to escape.
“We pray for Ghana International Christian Atsu and victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria,” the Ghana Football Association said on Twitter.
The 7.8-magnitude quake struck early on Monday as people were sleeping.
Rescuers said that freezing weather hampered emergency efforts.
Mor than 5,600 structures including multi-storey apartment buildings full of residents were reduced to rubble in Turkey, while Syria announced dozens of collapses.
The international community has dispatched emergency aid to both nations.