Former Premier League forward Christian Atsu is said to be trapped under rubble in Turkey after an earthquake.

On Monday, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, causing widespread devastation. According to journalist Yaz Sabuncuolu and multiple other Turkish media outlets, while several Hatayspor players have been rescued following the earthquake, Atsu and club sporting director Taner Savut are still missing. A search and rescue mission is currently underway. Newcastle United, Atsu’s former club, tweeted: “Praying for some positive news, Christian Atsu.” Christian Atsu is 31 years old and is married to Marie Claire Rupio.

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Who is Marie Claire Rupio?

Marie Claire Rupio is married to Ghanaian professional footballer Christian Atsu. While he was playing for FC Porto, a Portuguese powerhouse, the couple got married in 2012. Since then, they have welcomed three children. Two sons and one daughter.

In an interview with Tv3 Sports, Atsu said -“I met my wife in Portugal and you can see we have a beautiful family. We’ve been together nine to ten years and I just love her.” Atsu is a devoted Christian who frequently posts Bible verses on social media.

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Atsu was born in the Greater Accra Region’s Ada Foah. He completed a portion of his education at the West African Football Academy in Sogakope, in the Volta Region of Ghana, which had formerly been known as the Feyenoord Football Academy in Gomoa Fetteh, in the Central Region of Ghana. Later, he relocated to Kasoa to join Cheetah FC.

Ghanaian international played for Chelsea, Everton, Bournemouth, and Newcastle United during his time in England. In 2022, he joined the Turkish team.

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Atsu signed a five-year contract with Chelsea on September 1, 2013, reportedly for £3.5 million, and was promptly loaned out to Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem for the remainder of the 2013–14 campaign.