Wife of Christian Atsu, Marie-Claire Rupio, has admitted that the conflicting reports about her husband since the devasting earthquake dealt a heavy blow to her and the children.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle playmaker was reported trapped under a pile of rubble after the massive earthquake that razed thousands of buildings in Turkey and Syria.
About 26 hours after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit on Monday, February 6, 2023, the Ghanaian international’s club said he’d been found under a pile of rubble and taken to hospital.
Some Turkish media houses even reported that the Ghana Black Stars winger sustained some injuries and was having difficulty breathing.
But that good news was short-lived because a few hours later Hatayspor Sporting, the footballer’s Turkish club, said it was a case of mistaken identity and that Atsu has not been found.
Speaking to the BBC on Friday, February 10, 2023, Atsu’s wife said the U-turn by the club was surprising. She said she was going to rely on Atsu’s agent in Turkey for credible information on her husband
It is quite shocking to imagine if the club is confirming saying he has been found and alive and taken to hospital and 11 hours later my children had to hear it from the radio that they still don’t know where he is.
“I know that his agent is there and they are trying their best to find him so I trust that he will bring me…the news that I can I trust. If he sees him or speaks to him… it is quite confusing,”
Ms Rupio told the BBC as she fought back tears.
The partner of footballer Christian Atsu, who's whereabouts are unknown since Monday's earthquake in Turkey and Syria, says "I still pray and believe he's alive" https://t.co/tDdQFQE4UQ pic.twitter.com/Gz5hf76MCc
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) February 10, 2023