“Former Black Stars player Christian Atsu has been rescued alive from the earthquake-ravaged city of Hayat in Turkey, and taken to a hospital with injuries,” journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu announced on February 7, 2023.
Earlier reports of Atsu's rescue were incorrect, according to Hatayspor Manager Mustafa Özat, who stated during a media update on February 6, “Unfortunately, Christian Atsu and our sporting director Taner Savut are still under the rubble.”
Özat also addressed widespread reports by a Portuguese media outlet, A Bola, which reported that Atsu had been rescued, saying, “We are aware of what a Portuguese source says about Christian Atsu, but we cannot reach him. We cannot reach anyone. We cannot reach that area. 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.”