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Tag: Christian Atsu

  • I’m the last person to speak with him – Atsu’s teammate

    I’m the last person to speak with him – Atsu’s teammate

    Cameroonian international, Kevin Olivier Soni, Christian Atsu’s Hatayspor teammate has shared his last conversation with the former Black Stars star before the February 6 earthquake hit.

    The Indomitable Lions midfielder, shared terrifying details of how he escaped the incident in Hatay, the club’s home city and one of the most hit by the natural disaster.

    In a wide-ranging interview with French news outlet, Foot Mercato, Soni opened up about the before, during and aftermath of the incident including responding to questions about Atsu.

    Below is a transcript of what he said about Atsu

    Foot Mercato:Several members of the club have not had your luck and are still missing, like Christian Atsu.

    Kevin Soni: I get goosebumps talking to you. Before that happened, I was talking with Christian Atsu on the phone. He had scored a free kick on Sunday and I told him that he had played well and that I had liked his match.

    I told him that I hoped to find the grounds quickly so that we could play together. But I didn’t know that was the last time I spoke with him. Two hours later, I had no more news. I was told that my friend might be dead, it’s enough to drive you crazy.

    I am certainly the last person to have spoken with him on the phone. I’m not proud to say that, I really hope we find him safe and sound. It is my wish. I pray for this everyday.

    Foot Mercato: Some media have however said that he had been found. Have you had any news?

    Kevin Soni: Those are lies. Tuesday evening, we flew back to Istanbul and he was not with us. If he had been found, why wasn’t he on the plane? These are lies.

    They may have said that to maintain hope and not to frighten his family. What I can tell you is that he did not fly with us to Istanbul. I hope we will find him.

    Atsu, Hatayspor official still missing

    Christian Atsu and Hatayspor’s Sporting Director, Taner Savut are among the occupants of the facility who are believed to still be under the rubble.

    Reports emerged that Atsu had been rescued alive and sent to the hospital after 26 hours (February 7) but that account was later dismissed as a case of mistaken identity.

    Atsu, according to the Ghana ambassador in Turkey is the only Ghanaian who is yet to be accounted for.

    About the February 6 earthquake

    A powerful earthquake struck Türkiye’s southern provinces and neighbouring Syria, leaving thousands dead within Turkish borders and killing many others in war-torn Syria.

    A major earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck southern Türkiye and northwestern Syria as buildings collapsed and triggering a search for survivors trapped in the rubble.

    As at February 9, 2023; death toll has risen to 17,674 and the number of injured hit 72,879 in the wake of Monday’s powerful earthquakes in southern Türkiye, Vice President Fuat Oktay said.

    The disaster, described by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as “Disaster of the Century,” also killed at least 3,377 people in neighbouring Syria, regime and opposition authorities reported, taking the combined toll to 21,051.

  • Delay appeals to Christian Atsu’s club to rescue our brother

    Delay appeals to Christian Atsu’s club to rescue our brother

    Ghanaian broadcaster, Deloris Frimpong Manso, commonly known as ‘Delay’ has made a strong appeal to Turkish Super League side Hatayspor to find Christian Atsu following contradictory information about the whereabouts of the Ghanaian footballer who was trapped in a building following the earthquake in Turkey.

    Atsu was reportedly found a day after the earthquake but the report was later denied by Hatayspor board member, Mustafa Ozat.

    Delay, in an Instagram post but shared on Twitter, reacted to the latest development that Atsu is still missing, entreating the club and the rescue team to find the Ghanaian because Ghanaians want clarity.

    “I appeal to the Turkish authorities, to @hatayspor_fk, any rescue teams and charities working on the ground in Turkey…PLEASE finds out where OUR brother Christian Atsu is! You cannot say he is rescued one day and missing the next. Let’s pull together and find out! We want answers,” she wrote.

    Christian Atsu and Hataylspor technical director, Taner Savut have been trapped in the buildings destroyed by the earthquakes for close to three days, since the event on February 6, 2023.

  • Turkey Earthquake: All Ghanaian students in the area are safe – Ambassador

    Turkey Earthquake: All Ghanaian students in the area are safe – Ambassador

    The Ambassador of Ghana to Turkey, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, has stated that all of the Ghanaian students who reside in Turkey, where the earthquake happened are safe.

    “They are sleeping in open tents, that is what they have been advised to do,” she told Alfred Ocansey on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Wednesday, February 8

    She added, “they will be evacuated from the disaster area to Ankara and Istanbul.”

    .”Thankfully, the Ghanaian community, a number of them have agreed to host them in the meantime. All 18 students have been accounted for, and they are okay,” she stressed.

    Regarding Christian Atsu’s status, Madam Ashietey-Oduntun said The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey announced that Atsu was found alive and sent to a medical facility for medical attention.

    She however said the challenge is that she does don’t know which particular facility the Ghanaian footballer has been admitted to for medical attention.

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey told me that Atsu has been found, rescued and has been sent to a medical facility for medical attention and that they will update me

    “they are working fervently to find which medical facilities they have been sent to

    “The challenge is finding out which facility Astsu has been sent to. I am still waiting for the Ministry to tell me,” she told Alfred Ocansey on the Ghana Tonight show on TVE

    “They keep assuring me that he was found alive, he was taken to a medical facility for attention. As when I get any update I will let you know,” she added.

    Turkey’s disaster management agency said the country’s death toll passed 12,000 early Thursday.

    The Turkish news agency Andalou reported that 12,391 people were killed and 62,914 others were injured

  • 6 ways Christian Atsu helped the less privileged

    6 ways Christian Atsu helped the less privileged

    In addition to being a fantastic football player, Christian Atsu is also a very generous and down to earth person whose charitable endeavors are well publicized online.

    At the moment, the Ghanaian-born Turkish-based player is missing with no trace of his whereabouts after he got trapped under the rubble last Monday following the deadly earthquake that happened in Turkey.

    Millions of Ghanaians on the internet are fervently praying to God to spare the life of the footballer because multitudes depend on him for survival.

    In this article, we are going to look at some 6 heart-touching times kind-hearted Christian Atsu helped the less privileged.

    Atsu settles the bail of a blind inmate

    Christian Atsu settled the bail of a blind inmate in Nsawam prison named Peter Enin. Enin was convicted and sentenced to a hefty fine which he failed to pay and had to serve a prison term instead.

    Kind Atsu came to his rescue and paid for his release from jail.

    Atsu pays for the release of 10 prisoners

    In 2018, Atsu embarked on a mission to get 10 prisoners freed by paying their court fines. The 10 inmates were found guilty of petty theft after stealing food.

    However, the player was able to pay for the freedom of the prisoners at the Cape Coast prison annex

    Bailing a lactating mother and two others

    Atsu prevented a mother and her two daughters from spending three months in prison for taking some leftover corn estimated at Ghc 10 which did not belong to them.

    A court found them guilty and sentenced all of them including the lactating mothers after being unable to pay a fine of Gc 360 slapped on them.

    He came to the rescue of the convicts and through the crime check foundation donated Ghc 1,000 for their release.

    Atsu bails 40 inmates

    Atsu bailed about 40 inmates for an undisclosed amount of money. The player pleaded with the government to pardon some of the inmates and release them for petty theft.

    Donation of boots to young players

    In 2021, the footballer donated eighty pairs of football boots to former team Cheetah FC. The player donated to the club to support young players and prevent them from hustling to get boots to nurture

    Donation to school

    In 2017, when Christian Atsu returned from abroad, he seized the opportunity to donate to people in the central region of Ghana.

    The player donated hundreds of items to Becky’s foundation, an orphanage in Senya Berekum.

  • God please spare my son’s life and take mine instead – Christian Atsu’s mother

    God please spare my son’s life and take mine instead – Christian Atsu’s mother

    Currently, there are two strong contradicting reports on the internet concerning the player’s present condition.

    While some journalists claim he has been found, others also say otherwise but one thing can be confirmed without a shred of don’t which is, no one has gotten into physical contact with the player.

    Following the news, Peace FM’s Dan Kwaku Yeboah paid a visit to Christian Atsu’s family house at Ogbojo in Accra.

    The atmosphere in the house was one of mixed feelings as many of the family members found it difficult to contain their emotions.

    In a statement, the 71-year-old woman who is the younger sister of Atsu’s late mother, strongly opined that it would have been better for her to lose her life instead her son.


    “It will be better for me if I lose my life and Atsu’s lives because he is everything to us. He is our only hope. I could not sleep when I heard the news. We have been praying throughout”, she said.

  • Keep praying for Christian Atsu – Abdul Yartey encourages Ghanaians

    Keep praying for Christian Atsu – Abdul Yartey encourages Ghanaians

    The local manager of Christian Atsu, Abdul Hayye Yartey has urged Ghanaians to keep praying for Christian Atsu’s return.

    In an interview, he urged Ghanaians to remember the former Chelsea FC forward in prayer.

    “Let’s keep praying for Atsu to be back safe,” Abdul Hayye Yartey told GNA Sports in an interview.

    Christian Atsu’s whereabouts have been unknown for the past three days after a tragic earthquake was recorded in Turkey.

    Although reports on Tuesday suggested that the Black Stars attacker had been found, Hatayspor Board Member Mustafa Özat has clarified that it’s not the case.

    “I received information that Christian Atsu was rescued from the rubble, but it was NOT true.” “I gave the same information to the press, but at the moment, the information received is that Atsu and Taner Savut are under the rubble,” Mustafa Özat said.

    Ghanaians have been worried since news of the earthquake broke out and have been praying and hoping to hear good news.

  • Christian Atsu ‘plunged from ninth floor’ as building collapsed in earthquake

    Christian Atsu ‘plunged from ninth floor’ as building collapsed in earthquake

    When a terrible 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, Christian Atsu, according to his agent, fell from the ninth floor of his apartment building.

    Atsu was rescued from beneath rubble on Tuesday when a rescue team heard his voice on one recovery mission.

    Now his agent has explained how 20 minutes after returning home from a poker night with team-mates, Atsu was sent plunging to the ground from the ninth floor.

    ‘The last I heard from him was at midnight on Sunday. Christian and his team-mates were playing poker until 3:30am at a friend’s apartment,’ Atsu’s agent, Nana Sechere, told the Mirror.

    ‘The journey back to his apartment was around half an hour. He returned at 4am and the earthquake started around 20 minutes later. I didn’t know anything until I received a call from a club official at 5am asking if I’d heard from Christian. He told me Christian’s building had been completely destroyed and that they couldn’t get hold of him.’

  • Where is Christian Atsu: conflicting reports emerge

    Where is Christian Atsu: conflicting reports emerge

    On Tuesday morning, reports emerged that former Black Stars and Newcastle United star Christian Atsu had been found alive after being trapped in the rubble caused by a powerful earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday. 

    As newsof his rescue spread, many in Ghana let out a collective sigh of relief, thankful that Atsu had been saved from almost certain peril. Since the earthquake, people all over the world have prayed for Atsu’s safety and offered support to thosedisplaced by the disaster. 

    With Atsu’s rescue, the global community can take comfort that some good has come from this tragic event.

    Not long after, there was agitation on social media after authorities noted that they are unable to determine the health facility the player has been admitted to.

    Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey, H.E. Francisca Ashietey-Odunton confirmed that information privy to her does confirm that the 31-year-old had been rescued but there were challenges with locating the said facility he was receiving medical attention.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/christian-atsu-has-been-found-ghana-ambassador-to-turkey-debunks-missing-claims/

    But according to Hatayspor team doctor Gurbey Kahveci, the club can not confirm if Christian Atsu was rescued due to the recent challenge.

    “When we heard the news that “he was taken to Dortyol Hospital”, we especially went and looked, but it was not there. At the moment, we accept that [the sporting director] Taner Savut and Christian Atsu were not found, unfortunate,” he said.

    Currently, it is unclear the current health status of Christian Atsu.

  • KSM cites Asamoah Gyan in tweet about Christian Atsu

    KSM cites Asamoah Gyan in tweet about Christian Atsu

    Ace satirist, Kwaku Simtim-Misa has called on Ghanaians to celebrate people “while they are alive” instead of waiting till they are dead.

    In a tweet on February 7, 2023, which came with the hashtag #celebraetheliving, KSM, as the stand-up comedian is affectionately called, expressed concern about the reaction of some Ghanaians to news that Christian Atsu was a victim of the earthquake in Turkey that killed more than nine thousand and injured tens of thousands.

    He suggested that it was imperative to give people their flowers before they depart with a spotlight on Asamoah Gyan (Baby Jet), a former captain of the national senior soccer team, Black Stars.

    “Ei Ghanafour, You see the copious OUTPOURING of LOVE, SYMPATHY and PRAISES we UNLEASHED on Christian Atsu when we thought he was dead? Can we recognize and celebrate folks “small” while they are ALIVE? Baby Jet and PLENTY others on my mind o,” KSM’s tweet read.

    Background

    A powerful earthquake struck South-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, killing more than 5,000 people as they slept and trapping many others in the early hours of Monday.

    The US Geological Survey said the 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km (11 miles) near the city of Gaziantep.

    Hours later, a second quake, which had a magnitude of 7.5, hit the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaras province.

    In September 2022, the 31-year-old Black Stars winger penned a one-year deal to join the Turkish side following a spell in Saudi Arabia.

  • Christian Atsu has been found – Ghana Ambassador to Turkey debunks missing claims

    Christian Atsu has been found – Ghana Ambassador to Turkey debunks missing claims

    Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey, H.E. Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, has refuted resurging claims that former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, has not been found and rescued after an earthquake in Turkey.

    On Monday, there were reports that the former Chelsea and Newcastle winger and sporting director for Hatayspor, Taner Savut, had been trapped in a rubble after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

    Later that evening, international tabloids reported that Christian Atsu has been found and rescued, however, Taner Savut remained missing. It was said that Christian Atsu had been sent to a hospital for treatment but the said health facility was not identified.

    However, on Wednesday,  football agent, Murat Uzunmehmet noted that reports that Christian Atsu had been rescued can not be confirmed. According to him, the embassy said there are not able to track the said hospital the 31-year-old was sent to.

    This recent revelation has caused panic on social media with many doubting information put out.

    But engaging GTV, H.E. Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, noted that “yesterday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here assured me that he has been found & rescued & has been sent to a medical center because he was found with injuries.”

    Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey, H.E. Francisca Ashietey-Odunton

    She however, noted that the challenge has been “trying to locate which hospital or health center he has been sent for treatment.”

    “This is understandable because of the situation when you are rescued, you are put in an ambulance sent to an available facility. This morning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here has assured me that they are trying to locate the facility he was sent to,” she added.

    Her statement goes to confirm that the player has been indeed rescued.

    Meanwhile, over 9,000 lives have been lost in Turkey and Syria due to the natural disaster.

  • Christian Atsu’s brother describes how family handled the news of his trapping

    Christian Atsu’s brother describes how family handled the news of his trapping

    The elder brother of professional footballer Christian Atsu, Isaac Teye Twasam has spoken about the family’s reaction to the news of Atsu being trapped under the rubble following a massive earthquake in Turkey.

    Isaac stated that he was taking feeding fees from school pupils when he was informed of the incident and immediately headed home to turn off his phone and lie flat on the floor.

    The family was frightened by the news, but took solace in how God saved Jonah from the belly of the big fish.

    Isaac explained that they continued to pray for Atsu’s safe return, receiving motivation through numerous phone calls.

    Despite hearing media reports of Atsu’s survival on Monday evening, the family wanted to confirm the news from his club and management first.

    However, when Isaac called to confirm, Atsu’s agent refuted the claims, intensifying the anxiety and almost breaking Isaac down.

    “I was taking feeding fees from school pupils when I was informed about the incident. Upon hearing I stopped, headed home and immediately turned off my phone lied flat on the floor,” he told Dan Kwaku Yeboah Tv on YouTube.

    “We were all frightened by the news but we took solace in how God saved Jonah from the belly of the big fish. Hence we knew no matter what, Atsu would be back safe.

    “So we continued in prayers just like Ghanaians did. We received motivation through numerous phone calls.

    “We heard media reports of his survival on Monday evening but we wanted to confirm from his club and management first.

    “Atsu’s agent refuted the claims of him being found in the evening when I called to confirm following numerous reports. The anxiety intensified after that call. It almost broke me down,” he added.

  • Michael Essien wishes Christian Atsu well, after the earthquake rescue

    Michael Essien wishes Christian Atsu well, after the earthquake rescue

    Former Black Stars player Michael Essien is happy that winger Christian Atsu has been rescued from the rubble following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck south-central Turkey,

    31-year-old Christian Atsu was trapped in the debris of a collapsed 15-story building after an earthquake destroyed dozens of houses in Turkey on February 6, 2023, leaving thousands dead and injured

    The news about Atsu’s rescue was happily received by Michael Essien who shared the dressing room with the winger during the 2014 FIFA World Cup took to Twitter to wish his brother well.

    “Get well soon brother @ChristianAtsu20,” Michael Esshien wrote in a tweet .

    Christian Atsu before his tragedy scored a 97th-minute winner for Hatayspor on Sunday, February 5, 2023, against Kasimpasa.

    Essien is one of many Ghana players who have sent special messages to the winger who as per reports is receiving treatment in a Turkish hospital.

    Stephen Appiah, Mubarak Wakaso, Asamoah Gyan, among others have expressed their relief over his situation and prayed that God heals him quickly.

  • Turkey-based Samuel Tetteh speaks on earthquake tragedy

    Turkey-based Samuel Tetteh speaks on earthquake tragedy

    With the exception of Christian Atsu, who has been rescued from the rubble, Black Stars striker Samuel Tetteh has assured Ghanaians of his and the other Ghanaian players’ safety in Turkey.

    The world was thrown into a state of mourning on Monday, February 6, 2023, after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit south-central Turkey.

    Ghanaians were worried about the well-being of players who ply tried trade in Turkey after it was reported that Christian Atsu was trapped under the rubble but Samuel Tetteh has shared that he was not hurt.

    “I’m safe and I haven’t been hurt by what is going on in the country. We felt the earthquake here but it was not devastating like it happened in the other cities even though some of the buildings here collapsed.”

    “I tried to contact all the other Ghana players in Turkey that I know and apart from Atsu whose situation was serious, they were all safe and sound.”

    “The country is in a sad mood because of this tragedy and I’m hoping that they break the league. I have contacted my family, friends, and everyone around me that I’m fine and I have not been hurt. We have also heard that Atsu has been found and that is good news,” Samuel Tetteh told Happy FM monitored by GhanaWeb Sports.

    Meanwhile, Black Stars player Christian Atsu has been rescued from the trap in the earthquake-ravaged city of Hayat.

    “Christian Atsu has been pulled from the wreckage alive!” journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, who broke news of his trapping, tweeted early Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

  • Atsu’s Twin sister confirms his safety

    Atsu’s Twin sister confirms his safety

    Twin sister of former Black Stars player, and Hatayspor winger, Christiana Atsupie Twasam, is the latest to confirm his safety.

    She says her brother is “safe and sound.”

    Atsu together with his club director, Taner Savut, were trapped under debris for 26 hours when an earthquake hit Turkey Monday morning.

    Earlier, conflicting news about the player’s safety went rife but in an exclusive interview with crimecheckghana.org, London-based Astupie Twasam stressed her brother was safe.

    “I received a call from his agent around 6 am this morning that he has been found and taken to the hospital. We thank God though but I want to hear his voice before I calm down,” she said.

    The 31-year-old said the family was preparing to fly to the Western Asian country to ascertain the condition of the player.

    “I am preparing to leave for Turkey. I want to see the extent of the injury he has sustained“ adding that “ these past few hours have not been easy, it has been tears and prayers to God,” she added.

    Christian Atsu was in action for Hatayspor over the weekend in their victory over Kasimpasa in the Turkish top flight with the Ghanaian scoring the only goal.

    She continued that, “I saw him scoring in Sunday’s match, so I had planned to congratulate him when I get home but I slept off.“

    “Something strange happened when I woke up to use the washroom and I felt heavy in my spirit, so I said in my head that Atsu will not die. A few hours after this, his agent called to tell me about the earthquake,“ she added.

    Allaying fears concerning the player’s wife and children, Atsupe said “the children are here in London, I have spoken to them in a video this morning. They are fine.”

    “We are grateful to Ghanaians for their prayers and words of encouragement,“ she added.

    On Monday February, 6, 2023 earthquake claimed over 4,300 lives while 15,000 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

    In September 2022, the 31-year-old Black Stars winger penned a one-year deal to join the Turkish side following a spell in Saudi Arabia.

    Background

    A powerful earthquake struck South-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, killing more than 4,300 people as they slept and trapping many others in the early hours of Monday.

    The US Geological Survey said the 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km (11 miles) near the city of Gaziantep.

    Hours later, a second quake, which had a magnitude of 7.5, hit the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaras province.

    In September 2022, the 31-year-old Black Stars winger penned a one-year deal to join the Turkish side following a spell in Saudi Arabia.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Christian Atsu rescue was “huge and miraculous” – Local manager for Christian Atsu

    Christian Atsu rescue was “huge and miraculous” – Local manager for Christian Atsu

    Manager for Christian Atsu, Abdul Hayye Yartey, has characterized his recovery from the Turkey earthquake rubble as “huge and miraculous”.

    The Ghana winger was trapped in the debris of the devastating disaster that hit Turkey on Monday dawn for 26 hours.

    Yartey is relieved of the 31-year-old’s recovery alive after the building housing his apartment in Hatay collapsed, with 1000s across the globe fearing for his life. However, news broke on Tuesday of the Hatayspor attacker’s rescue.

    Reacting to the development, Yartey expressed his relief and elation: “This is huge and miraculous. To be under the debris for about 24 hours and come out safe is great news. We are all happy here and we pray he didn’t suffer major injuries,” he told the Ghana News Agency.

    “Yesterday, when I got in touch with his orphanage, the director told me the kids were crying and praying for his safety. Atsu helps people he comes across everywhere, and for me, there is much blessing in giving,” Yartey added.

    The sporting world and wellwishers, who took to social media to express their support and prayers, are also relieved of the news of the former Chelsea, Porto, and Newcastle United star’s rescue.

    Christian Atsu signed a one-year deal with Turkish Super Lig side, Hatayspor, and only scored his first goal on Sunday against Kasimpasa.

  • Ghana’s Ambassador to Turkey confirms Christian Atsu’s rescue

    Ghana’s Ambassador to Turkey confirms Christian Atsu’s rescue

    Ghana’s Ambassador to Turkey, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton has confirmed that former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu has been rescued hours after being trapped.

    Christian Atsu was trapped in the rubble after an earthquake destroyed dozens of houses in Turkey leaving many injured and others dead.

    It took the rescue team in Turkey almost a day to find Christian Atsu and some of his teammates who were trapped in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which occurred on Monday.

    Speaking to Asaase FM on February 7, 2023, Ashietey-Odunton said “I am just getting information from the president of the Ghana Association in Turkey that Atsu has been found in Hatay.”

    According to reports the player has been taken to a hospital in Turkey to help him recover after sustaining injuries.

    Christian Atsu came off the bench to score the winner for Hatayaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on Sunday before the disaster took place on Monday.

    News of Atsu’s recovery has brought joy and a big sigh to many Ghanaians who were worried about the player.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Christian Atsu’s rescue has been confirmed by Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey

    Christian Atsu’s rescue has been confirmed by Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey

    Ghana’s Ambassador to Turkey, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton has confirmed that former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu has been rescued hours after being trapped.

    Christian Atsu was trapped in the rubble after an earthquake destroyed dozens of houses in Turkey leaving many injured and others dead.

    It took the rescue team in Turkey almost a day to find Christian Atsu and some of his teammates who were trapped in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which occurred on Monday.

    Speaking to Asaase FM on February 7, 2023, Ashietey-Odunton said “I am just getting information from the president of the Ghana Association in Turkey that Atsu has been found in Hatay.”

    According to reports the player has been taken to a hospital in Turkey to help him recover after sustaining injuries.

    Christian Atsu came off the bench to score the winner for Hatayaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on Sunday before the disaster took place on Monday.

    News of Atsu’s recovery has brought joy and a big sigh to many Ghanaians who were worried about the player.

  • How celebrities reacted to the news of Christian Atsu being trapped in Turkey earthquake

    How celebrities reacted to the news of Christian Atsu being trapped in Turkey earthquake

    Some Ghanaian celebrities have reacted to the sad news about Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, who has been reportedly trapped under rubbles after Turkey was hit by an earthquake.

    Christian Atsu and his club director, Taner Savut, are said to have been left under piles of ruins, following the incident which is currently being reported by global news outlets today, February 6, 2023.

    However, the development has stirred massive reactions on social media, while igniting fear and panic among scores of netizens.

    Some Ghanaian celebrities have since flooded social media to express their concerns about the situation, while hoping that God saves the Black Stars winger.

    The likes of Abeiku Santana, Guru, Menaye Donkor, Amanda Jissih, OV, and many others have offered prayers for the footballer.

    Meanwhile, CNN report says the death toll has since risen to more than 4000.

  • BREAKING: Christian Atsu pulled out of rubble alive – Report

    BREAKING: Christian Atsu pulled out of rubble alive – Report

    Former Black Stars player Christian Atsu has been rescued from the rubble in the earthquake ravaged Turkish city of Hayat.

    “Christian Atsu has been pulled from the wreckage alive!” journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, who broke news of his trapping, tweeted early Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

    He further confirmed to a Ghanaian journalist that Atsu was doing well before promising to share updates as and when they come in.

    How club debunked news of rescue on February 6

    Hatayspor official Mustafa Özat during an update to the media on the club’s missing employees, late Monday (February 6) said they were still searching for Atsu and their club director.

    Local news outlet, Haberturk quoted Özat as saying: “Unfortunately, Christian Atsu and our sporting director Taner Savut are still under the rubble.”

    He also addressed widespread reports by A Bola, a Portugues media outlet which reported extensively that Atsu had been rescued and that he had sustained injuries and had been transported to a hospital.

    “(We are aware what) a Portuguese source says about Christian Atsu, but we cannot reach him. We cannot reach anyone. We cannot reach that area,” Özat stressed.

    “We are waiting for help. It’s the hardest place to reach. Hatay is the place that needs the most help right now. Everyone needs help in earthquake zones, but there is a great need for help in Hatay,” he added.

    https://twitter.com/yagosabuncuoglu/status/1622843940910116865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1622843940910116865%7Ctwgr%5E30978b5afde4a290935530e330c7c2362aa0b5f3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ghanaweb.com%2FGhanaHomePage%2FNewsArchive%2FBREAKING-Christian-Atsu-pulled-out-of-rubble-alive-Report-1709483
  • Turkey earthquakes: Ghana’s Christian Atsu reportedly found alive, badly injured

    Turkey earthquakes: Ghana’s Christian Atsu reportedly found alive, badly injured

    Christian Atsu, a 31-year-old professional soccer player for Hatayspor and former Premier League player for Chelsea and Newcastle, has been rescued after being trapped in the aftermath of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Turkey, reports say.

    Atsu, although alive, has sustained injuries to his right foot and exhibited difficulty breathing and has been transported to a hospital for treatment.

    The Turkish city of Hatay, where Atsu’s club is located, was one of the areas hardest hit by the disaster. Along with Atsu, the club’s sporting director, Taner Savut, and an interpreter were also trapped in the earthquake. There is yet to be news on their recovery.

    A post on Newcastle’s Twitter account said: “Praying for some positive news, @ChristianAtsu20.” Atsu had just played a successful match, scoring the winning goal against Kasimpasa on Sunday.

  • Christian Atsu found; admitted at hospital for treatment

    Christian Atsu found; admitted at hospital for treatment

    Information coming in is that former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, has been rescued from the debris he was under as a result of an earthquake that hit Turkey today.

    It was earlier reported that Christian Atsu and sporting director of Hatayspor, Tanarsh Sowth had been trapped.

    It was only after close to 10 hours that Christian Astu has been found. Much has not been said about Sowth.

    According to reports, Christian Atsu has been sent to a hospital for medical attention.

    Also, Hatayspor is yet to comment on the recent development after engaging fans throughout the devastating period.

    On Monday, a 7.8 magnitude hit both Turkey and Syria hard.

    Per reports, over thousand of people have died with thousand other sustaining injuries.

  • Christian Atsu’s most recent tweet

    Christian Atsu’s most recent tweet

    Millions across the world are praying for former Black Stars, Christian Atsu and sporting director for Hatayspor, Tanarsh Sowth, who are reportedly missing after Monday’s earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria.

    Prior to the unfortunate incident, Christian Atsu celebrated his team which recently tasted victory.

    On Sunday, February 5, Christian Atsu expressed excitement over being able to net a goal for his side, Hatayspor, in the game against Kasimpasa SK.

    Christian Atsu scored his first goal in the Turkish Superliga over the weekend when Hatayspor defeated Kasimpasa SK by a slim margin.

    Hatayspor eventually won 1-0 at the Yeni Hatay Stadium when Atsu came off the bench to score the game’s only goal.

    The 31-year-old forward replaced French forward Rayan Aabid in the 82nd minute in his third appearance of the season.

    Hatayspor moved out of the relegation zone and into the 14th spot on the standings thanks to an Atsu goal in stoppage time in the round of 23 match.

    The devastating news of Christian Atsu’s disappearance has left many shattered.

    Thousands of people have perished due to the natural disaster. Meanwhile, rescue efforts are ongoing to locate Christian Atsu and Taner Savut.

  • What celebrities are saying about news of Christian Atsu trapped in Turkey earthquake

    What celebrities are saying about news of Christian Atsu trapped in Turkey earthquake

    Some Ghanaian celebrities have reacted to the sad news coming in about Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, who has been reportedly trapped under rubbles after Turkey was hit by an earthquake.

    Christian Atsu and his club director, Taner Savut, are said to have been left under piles of ruins, following the incident which is currently being reported by global news outlets today, February 6, 2023.

    However, the development has stirred massive reactions on social media, while igniting fear and panic among scores of netizens.

    Some Ghanaian celebrities have since flooded social media to express their concerns about the situation, while hoping that God saves the Black Stars winger.

    The likes of Abeiku Santana, Guru, Menaye Donkor, Amanda Jissih, OV, and many others have offered prayers for the footballer.

    Meanwhile, CNN report says the death toll has since risen to more than 1,900.

    Read the reactions below:

  • Mahama joins Ghanaians to pray for Christian Atsu’s safety

    Mahama joins Ghanaians to pray for Christian Atsu’s safety

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has entreated Ghanaians to continue praying for the safety of Christian Atsu and his club director, Tanarsh Sowth.

    Former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, was on Monday reported trapped under debris following the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey.

    The former winger for Newcastle, and sporting director for Hatayspor, Tanarsh Sowth, are said to be missing after Monday’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

    The earthquake hit hard in Kah-ra-man-marash, where Hatayspor are based.

    Following the report, Ghanaians took to social media, praying for the safety of Christian Atsu.

    President Mahama who is also concerned about the wellbeing of the striker in Twitter post wrote: “Let’s continue to pray for our brother, Christian Atsu, and his club director. The city of Hayat is in the region affected by the earthquake. Let’s continue to pray that God spares their lives.”

    Meanwhile, rescue efforts are ongoing to locate Christian Atsu and Taner Savut.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Videos: Devastating earthquake that hit Turkey

    Videos: Devastating earthquake that hit Turkey

    On Monday, February 6, 2023, Turkey experienced a massive 7.7 earthquake, claiming over 1,800 lives.

    Per reports Ghanaian international player Christian Atsu, who plays for Turkish Super Lig team Hataysport, is among those who have been trapped under the debris.

    The earthquake, the second-largest in the last century anywhere in the world, has already been reported to have claimed more than 1600 lives both in Turkey and neighbouring Syria, the CNN reports.

    As the world comes to terms with what is happening in Turkey, and as humanitarian and rescue efforts are being made to help the country, GhanaWeb takes a look at some of the videos that have been shared by people online showing the depth of destruction caused by the natural disaster.

  • Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu and director Taner Savut trapped under rubble

    Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu and director Taner Savut trapped under rubble

    Christian Atsu, a former winger for Newcastle and Chelsea, is reportedly trapped under debris following the devastating earthquake in Turkey.

    After the earthquake, experts had to save several members of Atsu’s new squad.

    Taner Savut, the sporting director for Hatayspor, is allegedly still missing and believed to be buried beneath the rubble.

    According to Star, a search-and-rescue mission is in progress to locate the Ghanaian celebrity who was injured in Monday’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

    The earthquake hit hard in Kahramanmaras, where Hataysport are based.

    Two players and members of the technical staff were “pulled out of the rubble” in a dramatic rescue operation.

    And efforts remain ongoing to find Atsu and Savut as quickly as possible.

    Over 1,000 people are believed to have died in the earthquake that struck Turkey around 4am on Monday morning.

    And experts say the toll could rise to 10,000 after a second 7.5 magnitude quake hit later on.

  • “The eight wonder”- Ghana winger Christian Atsu delighted after Messi wins World Cup

    Christian Atsu has reacted after Lionel Messi finally laid his hands on the coveted World Cup trophy.

    The seven-time Ballon d’or netted a brace as Argentina defeated France on penalties in the final to win the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.

    Messi’s Paris Saint Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe forced the game into extra time with a sensational hat-trick.

    However, Emi Martinez was the hero for Argentina as he saved two penalties to help the South Americans to victory.

    Atsu, who represented Ghana at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, shared his excitement after seeing Messi win the trophy.

    “The eight wonder of the world,” he wrote on Twitterwith a lovely photo of Messi.

     

    Messi made his first appearance at the World Cup in Germany, but had to wait till his fifth tournament to win the biggest  prize in football.

    He was crowned player of the tournament in Qatar after scoring seven goals, which was only bettered by Mbappe, who scored eight.

    The 8th wonder of the world #messi pic.twitter.com/KYbEe1eADg

    — Christian Atsu (@ChristianAtsu20) December 18, 2022

  • Turkish club Hatayaspor sign Christian Atsu on a one-year deal

    Turkish club Hatayaspor have completed the signing of Ghana winger Christian Atsu on a one-year deal.

    The 30-year-old has completed a sensational move back to Europe after leaving Saudi Arabia outfit Al-Raed at the end of the season.

    The Ghana international is returning to mainstream Europe for the first time in a year since leaving Newcastle United.

    Atsu struggled at in the gulf and has decided to move back to Europe.


    Hatayaspor have the option to renew the deal for an additional year.

    “We signed a 1+1 year contract with experienced right and left winger Christian Atsu, who previously played for clubs such as Everton, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Porto and Malaga.

    “The signing ceremony was attended by our Honorary President, Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Assoc. Dr Lütfü Savaş.”

    “We welcome Christian Atsu and wish him endless success with our burgundy and white jersey,” the club announced.

    Atsu has 254 club appearances under his belt and has 30 assists to go along with 23 goals.

    The winger has won 64 caps for Ghana, with nine assists and 10 goals.

  • Christian Atsu: Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayaspor sign winger as Ghanaian returns to Europe

    Turkish club Hatayaspor have completed the signing of Ghana winger Christian Atsu on a one-year deal.

    The 30-year-old has completed a sensational move back to Europe after leaving Saudi Arabia outfit Al-Raed at the end of the season.

    The Ghana international is returning to mainstream Europe for the first time in a year since leaving Newcastle United.

    Atsu struggled at in the gulf and has decided to move back to Europe.

    Hatayaspor have the option to renew the deal for an additional year.

    “We signed a 1+1 year contract with experienced right and left winger Christian Atsu, who previously played for clubs such as Everton, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Porto and Malaga.

    “The signing ceremony was attended by our Honorary President, Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Assoc. Dr Lütfü Savaş.”

    “We welcome Christian Atsu and wish him endless success with our burgundy and white jersey,” the club announced.

    Atsu has 254 club appearances under his belt and has 30 assists to go along with 23 goals.

    The winger has won 64 caps for Ghana, with nine assists and 10 goals.

    Sourece; Ghanasoccernet

     

     

  • Marie-Claire Rupio: Meet the wife and kids of Black Stars winger Christian Atsu

    Born on January 10, 1992, 30-year-old Christian Atsu caught the attention of the Ghanaian public after making his Black Stars debut in an African Cup of Nations qualifier in 2012.

    Christian Atsu was nicknamed by Ghanaians as the Ghana Messi after his super performance that won him the Best Player Award at the 2015 African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

    On the field, he was well known for his dazzling skills when with the ball, but not much was known about his family till he made a public appearance with Marie-Claire Rupio, which sparked a dating rumor between them.

     

     


    Christian Atsu, then a 21-year-old boy in 2013, reacted to the rumours as he confirmed that Marie-Claire Rupio was his wife and not a girlfriend.

    Then 18-year-old Marie-Claire reportedly met Christian Atsu during the Ghanaian’s loan spell at Rio Ave and they got married in 2012.

    “He is a strong person, does not cry easily, but he is very concerned about humanitarian issues,” Marie-Claire said in her first interview after marrying the Ghanaian.

    Christian Atsu and Marie-Claire have been together as husband and wife since 2012, giving birth to two boys and a girl.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Celtic intensify pursuit of Christian Atsu

    Scottish champions, Celtic, have stepped up efforts to sign Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu.

    Newcastle United manager, Steve Bruce, conformed on Tuesday, that the Ghana international was free to leave the club after being rendered surplus to requirements.

    Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, who has been a long time admirer of the 28 year old, has reportedly put his club on alert about the availability of Atsu.

    Celtic tried to sign Atsu in January, but the Ghanaian rejected the move at the last minute in favour of staying and fighting for his place at Newcastle.

    With just a year remaining on his Newcastle contract, Atsu is expected to attract a very reasonable transfer fee.

    The former Chelsea winger is also said to be attracting interest from clubs in England and the Netherlands.

    Source: citisportsonline

  • Christian Atsu warms bench again as Newcastle draw with Brighton

    Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu was an unused substitute in Newcastle United’s goalless draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Monday.

    Atsu watched the entire game from the bench as The Magpies sealed a point at the Amex Stadium.

    Brighton needed one point to guarantee their survival and they were rarely threatened by Newcastle in an uneventful game which felt more like a pre-season friendly.

    Chances at either end came at a premium but the hosts were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty in the first half when Neal Maupay appeared to be brought down by Matt Ritchie, while the visitors best chance was headed wide by substitute Andy Carroll late on.

    Newcastle United, currently lie 13th on the league table with 44 points after 37 matches played so far.

    The 28-year-old Ghanaian has been used sporadically this term by Steve Bruce, making 24 appearances and providing five assists in all competitions.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Christian Atsu warms bench as Newcastle loses to Tottenham

    Ghana international Christian Atsu was left to warm the bench on Wednesday evening when his Newcastle United side lost 3-1 at home to Tottenham Hotspurs.

    The Black Stars winger looks to have significantly fallen down the pecking order at his club with his manager Steve Bruce constantly leaving him on the bench.

    Today he missed out on a starting role when the Magpies hosted the Lillie Whites at the St James’ Park.

    A good showing from Tottenham Hotspurs on the evening saw the side going into the first half break with a 1-goal lead courtesy a strike from Heung-Min Son on the 27th minute after he was assisted by Giovani Lo Celso.

    Though Newcastle United will return from the break to level the score on the 56th minute through a strike from Matt Ritchie, a brace from English striker Harry Kane, later on, ensured that Jose Mourinho earned his first away win at Newcastle United.

    Christian Atsu who was named as a substitute for the Magpies on the matchday was not introduced.

    This season, the 28-year-old has made 19 appearances for his team and has 3 assists to his name.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Christian Atsu cameos as Newcastle United suffer heavy defeat at Manchester City

    Ghana winger Christian Atsu made his first appearance for Newcastle United since the resumption of the English Premier League as the Magpies suffered a 5-0 defeat to Manchester City.

    The pacy winger replaced Matt Richie in the 84th minute after the damage had already been done.

    Newcastle United were four goals down before the introduction of Christian Atsu, City added the final goal in the 90th minute through Raheem Sterling.

    Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus began the demolishing after just ten minutes when he netted the opener before Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez added the second 11 minutes later.

    An own goal from Federico Fernandez made in three right after the break before Man of the Match David Silva crowned his performance with City’s fourth.

    Christian Atsu’s future at Newcastle United looks bleak following the lack of game time, with reports suggesting the Ghanaian is out of Steve Bruce’s plan.

    The 5-0 hammering was Newcastle United’s first defeat in seven Premier League games.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Watch how Alexander Arnold defeated Christian Atsu in the ePremier League Invitational tournament

    Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu has failed to reach the semi-finals of premier League Invitational tournament following a heavy defeat against Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

    Atsu who advanced to the quarter-finals following a 2-1 victory Tottenham Hotspurs’ Sissoko was hoping to cause massive upset by eliminating favourite Trent.

    The Ghanaian took the lead, however, he surrendered it to lose 4-1 and crash out of the tournament.

    The Premier League is on a coronavirus-induced suspension and while people remain at home because of the subsequent lockdown, the ePremier League presents an opportunity to keep the players and fans engaged and entertained. Selected Premier League players will go up against one another by representing their clubs in EA Sports FIFA 20.

    The winner of the competition will be announced on April 25, with the proceeds going to the #PlayersTogether campaign in support of the National Health Service – the agency at the forefront of fighting the coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom.

    Watch video below

    Source: ghanasoccernet.com

  • Coronavirus: Atsu joins Eto’o and Drogba to hit out at French practitioners

    Ghana international Christian Atsu has joined Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o and former Cote d’Ivoire ace Didier Drogba to condemn suggestions of first testing anti-coronavirus drugs in Africa.

    The trio has been incensed by the two French medical practitioners who made the remarks on television.

    Former Senegal star Demba Damba was the first to hit out at the comments, attracting the attention of Drogba and Eto’o.

    “During a programme on French television station LCI, professor Jean-Paul Mira, head of the intensive care unit at Cochin hospital (Paris), and Professor Camille Locht, research director at Inserm suggested the effectiveness of the vaccine should be tested first in Africa,” Newcastle United winger Atsu posted on Twitter.

    “They are not even ashamed of themselves.

    “They want to test the new vaccine first in Africa.”

    The coronavirus pandemic has caused a major problem around the world, bringing many social activities to a standstill.

    Over 1,083,078 persons worldwide have so far tested positive for the disease while 58,149 persons have lost their lives.

    Several vaccines and medications are in the process of being tested as possible solutions to the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Christian Atsu rubbishes retirement reports

    Ghana and Newcastle United winger, Christian Atsu has refuted claims of retiring from the Black Stars prematurely.

    On Friday, reports emerged that the former Chelsea and FC Porto winger has communicated to the head coach of the team, CK Akonnor that he is no more interested in playing for the country.

    According to the reports, Atsu was not impressed with the support of the country offered to him when he got injured during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

    However, Footballghana.com speaking to a close friend of Atsu at the camp of the Blck Stars, he said Atsu was stunned with the reports adding that he [Christian Atsu] and CK Akonnor had a fruitful discussion and pledge to offer his help anytime he is called upon.

    “Christian Atsu is really surprised with the reports,” he said.

    “He has not communicated to CK Akonnor that he has retired from the national team. They had a fruitful discussion when Akonnor visited him in England.

    “Atsu told the coach he should excuse him from the Sudan game because he just returned from injury but he pledged his support to the coach.

    “I will urge Ghanaians to disregard any reports. Atsu is still a member of the Black Stars and ready to play anytime he is called upon,” he added.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Christian Atsu retires from Black Stars over ‘neglect’

    Ghana’s committed and reliable playmaker Christian Atsu has served notice of his decision to quit the Black Stars citing neglect over the injury that ultimately cost him his starting place at Newcastle United, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report.

    The patriotic player, who has consistently served Ghana with diligence over for more than seven years, has told Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor he is no longer available for selection.

    A reliable source close to the player told Ghana’s leading football news outfit, Ghanasoccernet.com that the England-based player delivered the message to coach Akonnor when he visited England recently on a tour of Europe to meet Black Stars players.

    It explains why the talented winger was excluded from the Ghana’s squad announced by Akonnor to face Sudan in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations double-header qualifier originally scheduled for last month, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.

    Atsu’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt ended prematurely after he picked up a hamstring injury during his country’s 0-0 stalemate against Cameroon on July 1, 2019.

    He was immediately flown to Tyneside for treatment which lasted for over two months.

    GHANAsoccernet.com understands the talented winger is unhappy after officials of the Ghana Football Association failed to even contact him in the period of his predicament.

    He was left to his faith despite proving his loyalty, dedication and commitment to the national team for several years.

    The injury he suffered while on national duty cost him many things including his starting berth in the Newcastle United squad as well as wages because he could not get bonuses for playing and had to rely only on salaries.

    He lost his place to the club’s emergency signing Allan Saint-Maximin due to the setback he suffered while on international duty.

    The former FC Porto wideman is now reluctant to return to the Ghanaian national team after pouring out his genuine concerns to coach Charles Akonnor.

    The former Everton and Bournemouth winger has demonstrated he is a top professional, whose loyalty to Ghana cannot be questioned.

    He turned down a chance to play for Scottish giants Celtic during the winter transfer window as he preferred to fight for his place at St James’ Park.

    Atsu has excelled heavily in Ghana colours, seizing games because of his huge heart, stamina and will to win for the Black Stars to earn him huge admirers in the West African nation.

    An instinctive footballer often fuelled by emotion and adrenalin, Atsu has demonstrated his unrivaled commitment for the national since he bust onto the international scene in 2012.

    It remains to be seen if the Ghana FA can make overtures for the wideman to rescind his decision.

     

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Christian Atsu travels to Ghana after EPL suspension

    Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu is currently in Ghana with the English Premier League suspended due to the impact of coronavirus.

    The Magpies, like many clubs in the world, have shut down their training centre and academy for a minimum of two weeks.

    GHANASoccernet.com understands two Newcastle United teammates have left the United Kingdom.

    Brazilian Joelinton is now in Brazil, where he has a young son.

    Despite being away, the Newcastle staff is remotely monitoring the GPS data of the two players.

    The English Premier League has been suspended until at least 4 April, 2020.
    The Magpies, like many clubs in the world, have shut down their training centre and academy for a minimum of two weeks.

    GHANASoccernet.com understands two Newcastle United teammates have left the United Kingdom.

    Brazilian Joelinton is now in Brazil, where he has a young son.

    Despite being away, the Newcastle staff is remotely monitoring the GPS data of the two players.

    The English Premier League has been suspended until at least 4 April, 2020.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Christian Atsu’s contract with Newcastle United to end in 2021

    Ghana international, Christian Atsu will be out of contract by 2021 at Newcastle United.

    The 29-year-old has established himself at Newcastle making over 105 appearances which is more than he managed at the previous seven clubs he was at (89).

    Never the quickest or most skilful but always gives his all but time may be running out for him to prove why he deserves an extended deal past 2021.

    Atsu joined the Magpies from Chelsea after failing to establish himself following his move from FC Porto.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Christian Atsu rejects Celtic transfer on Deadline Day

    Christian Atsu has decided to stay at Newcastle and fight for his place after Celtic made an approach to take the winger on loan.

    The 28-year-old Ghana international was also under consideration by Championship promotion contenders Nottingham Forest, while Blackburn were rebuffed by Newcastle.

    Atsu has made 22 appearances in all competitions under Steve Bruce this season but is yet to score a goal for the team.

    He joined Newcastle in a £6.2m move from Chelsea in May 2017, having spent the duration of his career at Stamford Bridge on loan at Vitesse, Everton and Malaga.

    Tottenham and England left-back Danny Rose joined Newcastle on loan for the remainder of the season on Thursday, becoming their third January recruit following the signings of Nabil Bentaleb and Valentino Lazaro.

    Celtic are also in talks to re-sign Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama before Friday’s midnight transfer deadline.

  • Newcastle United boss Bruce ‘very pleased’ with Atsu

    Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is impressed by the performance of Christian Atsu following the attacker’s return from injury.

    After sitting out the Magpies’ opening two Premier League matches of the campaign, the winger made his season debut as a 17th-minute substitute in a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

    He capped his outing with the assist for the game’s only goal and went on to start in the 1-1 draw with Watford in their last match before the international break.

    Read:Christian Atsu pays admission fee of University student

    “I’ve only really seen Christian since the back end of last week because of the stuff with the Africa Cup of Nations and being injured, but as soon as he’s come in, he’s handled the ball well,” Bruce, who replaced Rafael Benitez as Newcastle manager in the summer, told the Newcastle Chronicle.

    “Whether it’s given him a new lease of life, I’m not sure, but I been very, very pleased with him.

    “He’s done very, very well. He ran himself to a standstill [against Watford] I have to tell you.”

    Read:Christian Atsu sidelined at Newcastle United because of 2019 AFCON injury

    In-between the matches with Tottenham and Watford, Atsu also made an appearance in a League Cup clash with Leicester City.

    The 27-year-old will hope to continue his good run when Newcastle play away to Liverpool on the Premier League’s return after the international break on Saturday.

    He was forced out of the Magpies’ opening games due to an injury picked up while on international duty with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations in July.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Newcastle sweat over Atsu’s fitness

    Ghana international Christian Atsu is among a list of Newcastle United players unlikely to feature in Wednesday’s League Cup encounter with Leicester City at St. James’ Park.

    The attacker, who only returned to action in Sunday’s Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur due to an injury picked up while playing at the Africa Cup of Nations in June, may have to sit out the midweek tie as a precautionary measure for a “non-serious muscle” problem.

    It is believed he may have picked up the knock during the league match against Spurs.

    Read:Newcastle United is ready to give all this season- Christian Atsu

    “I’ve got players which have a few knocks and bruises. Joelinton has played when he was sore with a groin so he is a bit of a doubt. [Miguel] Almiron (ankle), [Fabian] Schar (knock), Jamaal [Lascelles] (calf), and [Christian] Atsu (muscle) are all doubts,” Newcastle boss Steve Bruce said in his team news on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s game, as reported by his club’s official website.

    “A few are carrying a few things so the one thing I can’t do, as I’ve done with Allan [Saint-Maximin] is if there’s a slight risk. We’re waiting to let his hamstring settle.

    Read:Christian Atsu makes early injury return; likely to feature against Tottenham

    “The initial scans say it isn’t serious but we will not know the severity of it until later.

    “I still expect to pick a team which is hopefully going to take us through [to the next round].”

    On his injury comeback on Sunday, Atsu highlighted his importance to Newcastle with a sweet assist for Joelinton’s match-winner over Tottenham.

    Should he sit out Wednesday’s tie, the 27-year-old will be expected to return to action in Saturday’s welcome of Watford in the Premier League.

    Source: Goal.com