Christian Atsu's agent says the former Newcastle United attacker remains missing in Turkey following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake earlier this month. Atsu, along with a number of his Hatayspor team-mates, was in a Hatay hotel when it collapsed on February 6.
Hatayspor's vice-president mistakenly told the media Atsu has been saved from the rubble last week, only to walk back those claims when it emerged the footballer remained unaccounted for.
Survivors continue to be pulled from rubble across the country and thermal rescue equipment has reportedly found signs of life in Atsu's building. The player's agent, Nana Sechere, says two pairs of shoes belonging to Atsu have been found - but the former Newcastle star is yet to be rescued.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp sends 'really dumb' warning before Liverpool's 'difficult' game against Newcastle
"It has been 9 days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian," Sechere tweeted. "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 5 lives, however, I am told that the only real confirmation of life is through sight, smell and sound, and unfortunately we were not able locate Christian.
"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, Lütfü Savaş to provide additional resources to speed up the rescue efforts as a priority."
Atsu featured for Newcastle, Chelsea, Everton and Bournemouth during his time in England. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe worked with the player on the south coast and last week spoke of his worry for the player.
Howe said: "Hugely worrying. Really, really enjoyed working with Christian. A great lad, great player. Our thoughts are with him and his family, we hope for some good news.
"We hope he's okay and we've been really concerned for his welfare this week. It's been difficult because there's been conflicting stories coming out about his whereabouts. so it's been very tough. I can't imagine how his family are feeling but from the bottom of our hearts we wish him well and hope there'd s positive ending."
READ NEXT
UEFA dish out 'strong medicine' Newcastle will have to take if owners realise exciting dream
Meet the man behind £3.5m decision that has helped Newcastle make huge stadium breakthrough
Newcastle see 'excellent' midfielder get 'back to who he is' elsewhere just when they need one
Newcastle have found talented 16-year-old who's wowed staff and could be in squad vs Liverpool
Newcastle have found their Jose Mourinho 'untouchable' but Liverpool may see new 'solution'
