Christian Atsu, a former Ghanaian international whose whereabouts still remain unknown, was reportedly slated to leave southern Turkey hours before last week’s deadly earthquake, according to a recent development in the case.

The Ghanaian decided to remain with the team, according to Hatayspor’s management, after scoring the game-winning goal in their Super Lig match on February 5, according to the club’s manager.

“Atsu wanted to play more and asked for permission from his coach to leave if he wasn’t going to get it,” Hatayspor manager Fatih Ilek told a radio channel on Friday.

“He bought a ticket to fly to Istanbul, and from there to France. He was going to look for a club to get more playing time.”

The 31-year-old scored just before the final horn to give Hatayspor a 1-0 victory over Kasimpasa. Ilek claimed that Atsu was dissatisfied because, prior to the game against Kasimpasa, he had only played in two league games all season.

“But the coach played him against Kasimpasa on Feb 5th, hours before the quake. Atsu played incredibly, and scored at the 90 + 7th minute,” Ilek said.

The Feb. 6 earthquake killed more than 43,000 in Turkey and Syria. Atsu, who has had stints with Premier League clubs Everton and Newcastle United, has yet to be found.

“After the match, there was such great unity. Coach Volkan Demirel’s embrace of Atsu, and Atsu’s celebration both on the pitch and later in the dressing room will be forever in my eyes.

“This was his destiny. He had a ticket to go but because he scored, he changed his mind about leaving.

“He was caught in an earthquake on his happiest day. This is literally a tragedy.”

Source – Tru News Report

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