quake in Turkey: Businessman claims to have found Atsu sneakers: “broken hearts” Extra

Since the quake, which has left more than 37,000 dead in Turkey and Syria so far, Ghanaian striker Christian Atsu, who plays for Hatayspor in the city of the same name and one of the hardest hit by the quake, had a pair of sneakers with him in the rubble of the building where it would have been at the time of the earthquake. The information was confirmed by the player’s manager in a series of posts on his social networks.

“Nine days have passed since the earthquake and we still haven’t found Christian. I am with his family at the site of the Hatay earthquake. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all those involved. During my time here, we found out the exact location of Christian Atsu’s room and found two pairs of his shoes,” said Nana Sechere.

The businessman said authorities reported Monday that “thermal imaging showed signs of up to five lives” near where Atsu would be. According to the investigators, a survivor can only be confirmed if the person has been seen or if there is an olfactory or acoustic sign that unfortunately has not yet occurred at the crime scene.

“This is a difficult situation and we are very grateful to all Turkish and foreign rescuers, civilians and volunteers on the ground for their efforts and response in rescuing survivors. However, we urgently need more resources, including a translator, on site,” explains Sechere.

In the publications, the agent praised the joint effort in the rescue attempt but criticized the club for not being “present” at the search sites.

“Things are moving incredibly slowly, and as a result, many rescue operations are being delayed and lives are lost due to workers not having enough resources. It’s a shame the club isn’t there with us and looking for Christian,” he said. “His position and influence and local knowledge would be extremely helpful. We are imploring the Club President and Mayor of Hatay, Lütfü Savaş, to provide additional resources to expedite the rescue effort as a matter of priority.”

Atsu was reported found but the information was denied hours later by former goalkeeper and current Hatayaspor coach Volkan Demirel. Club doctor Gurney Kahveci provided more information on the situation at the time. According to him, it could have been an identification error.

“I still pray and believe that he lives.” It was shocking to hear the club say he had been found and taken to hospital and hours later the children heard on the radio they didn’t know where he was. I know his agent is there, they are trying their best to find him and I believe he will bring news that I can trust. It’s all very confusing,” Claire told BBC Sports last week.

Rescue work continues in Turkey, which has already recorded more than 37,000 deaths. The earthquake had Gaziantep as its epicenter, but also hit other cities, such as Hatay itself, 180 kilometers away.

Atsu, 31, has spent time with the Ghana national team. The player was unveiled in Porto and played for clubs in England, Holland and Saudi Arabia before moving to Turkish football.