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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

Former Chelsea player Christian Atsu still missing nine days after Turkey earthquake

Christian Atsu remains missing nine days after the earthquakes which devastated parts of Turkey and Syria.

The former Chelsea and Newcastle winger currently plays for Turkish side Hatayspor and his whereabouts remain unknown since last week.

More than 35,000 people are thought to have been killed after the magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 earthquakes struck on February 6.

A pair of his shoes have been found since but Atsu's location remains a mystery, the 31-year-old's agent Nana Sechere said on Tuesday.

"I am at the quake site in Hatay with Christian's family. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all the people affected. During my time here we have been able to locate Christian Atsu's exact room location, and we have found two pairs of his shoes.

"Yesterday we received confirmation that thermal imagery was showing signs of up to five lives, however, I am told that the only real confirmation of life is through sight, smell and sound, and unfortunately we were not able (to) locate Christian.

Former Chelsea and Newcastle player Christian Atsu. (Newcastle United via Getty Image)

"This is a difficult situation and we are extremely grateful to all the Turkish and foreign rescue teams, local civilians and volunteers for their efforts and response in rescuing survivors. However, we urgently need more resources, including a translator, on the ground.

"Things are moving incredibly slow and as a result of that many rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost due to the lack of resources available to the workers. It is unfortunate that the club is not on the ground with us, side by side, in the search for Christian.

"Their position and influence, accompanied with their local knowledge would be extremely helpful. We implore the president of the club and mayor of Hatay, Lutfu Savas to provide additional resources to speed up the rescue efforts as a priority."

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