The search for Christian Atsu, a member of the Black Stars national team who is believed to be trapped in the wreckage as a result of the deadly earthquake that struck Turkey, has left Andre Dede Ayew, the team’s captain, feeling very troubled.
Christian Atsu, age 31, was found trapped in a 15-story building’s rubble after an earthquake on February 6, 2023, in Turkey devastated thousands of homes and left 16,000 people dead and 60,000 injured, according to reports on February 4th.
Atsu, who was initially said to have been retrieved from the rubble, is still thought to be underground as the officials who initially gave the media the information have since come to retract their claims.
As fans continue to hope for the safe return of the 2015 AFCON Best Player, Atsu’s disappearance has rocked Ghana and the sporting globe. Andre Ayew has stated that he is also going through the same “mental anguish.”
“I’m very sad, very down. There are no words to describe how we (Ghanaians) all feel about this situation. Personally, it’s been difficult in the last few days because he is someone I’m close to.”
“As players, we have been trying to speak to each other, trying to get hold of the family to know what’s happening because we are very sad about the situation and praying that he will be good and okay. The whole of Ghana is also praying for his safe return,” Andr Dede Ayew said in an interview with Sky Sports.
For over ten years, Christian Atsu and Andre Dede Ayew shared a dressing room while representing the Black Stars in three Africa Cup of Nations competitions and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil (2015, 2017, and 2019).
The pair also played a key role in guiding Ghana to the 2015 AFCON finals, where they ultimately fell to Ivory Coast on penalties.
On Sunday, February 5, 2023, against Kasimpasa, Christian Atsu scored the game-winning goal for Hatayspor. This was before his tragic accident.
