Marie-Claire Rupio, the late Black Stars player’s wife, has expressed sadness over the death of her husband, Christian Atsu.
In a tribute, the widow stated that since losing her devoted husband, her life has not been the same.
Marie-Claire Rupio stated that she would use Christian Atsu’s love as her example and that she would continue to love him even after he passed away.
“In life, I love you dearly. In death, I do the same. It breaks my heart to lose you. You did not go alone, for part of me went with you.
“Your love is still my guide, and though I cannot see you are always on my side. You were always so full of life,” she said on Friday.
The widow further noted that “I see you in our children’s smile. You are never really gone as part of you is within them. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. But as you always say, God win.”
Atsu, 31, was found dead on February 18, 2023, following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, which killed more than 50,000 people in both countries.
Mubarak Wakaso, a midfielder with the Black Stars, has acknowledged that it will take him some time to adjust to the loss of his close friend Christian Atsu.
In a homage to his deceased friend, Mubarak Wakaso shared the emotional pain he has been going through ever since it was announced that Christian Atsu had passed away.
He recalled some of their enjoyable times together while acknowledging that he would find it challenging to move on from this experience.
“It’s so difficult for me to express in words how I am feeling. Since hearing about the earthquake on 6th February, I had hope that you were still alive. I never believed that this hope would turn into sadness. You were my everyday guy, my friend, my brother. We played together, we laughed together we ate together.
“You were someone who I trusted in everything because in a good or bad situation, you was always there for me. I have been here just looking at our pictures, reading our messages, watching our videos. All I have now is the memories in which I will cherish forever. Rest in perfect peace, Love from your brother Wakaso Mubarak,” he said.
Wakaso was among a host of former teammates of Christian Atsupresent at his funeral held at the forecourt of the State House on Friday, 17 March 2023.
Wakaso arrived with the likes of Muntari, Sammy Kuffour, Sulley Muntari, John Mensah and a host of others.
Christian Atsu passed in February after his lifeless body was recovered from the rubble of his collapsed apartment in Hatay following an earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6, 2023.
The former Ghanaian International in his 7 years international career played at the World Cup and help Ghana finish second in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, in which he won the best player of the tournament.
Since Christian Atsu’s passing was reported in February, comments about his selflessness have poured in.
Today, the deceased Hatayspor player’s family, friends, football players, and prominent figures, including President Akufo-Addo, gathered to pay their respects.
Veteran commentator Kwabena Yeboah was one of them. He walked past the body this morning as the funeral for the former Black Stars player was taking place on the grounds of the State House in Accra.
Mr. Yeboah praised Christian’s humility in his interview , noting that he was at the height of his success.
For him, the late footballer’s humility is worth emulating.
“He never allowed his fame and well to get into his head. Often times when footballers get very famous, they tend to be a bit haughty and they tend to be a bit super zealous. He never ever got to that point. He never forgot his roots,” he added.
Atsu, 31, was found dead on February 18, 2023, following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, which killed more than 50,000 people in both countries.
Ever since Christian Atsu’s demise was announced testimonies about his selfless being keep pouring in.
Asamoah Gyan, former captain of the Black Stars, has joined the others in penning down a heartfelt homage to the late Ghanaian international.
According to him, Atsu was one of his favorites as he derived support and encouragement from him.
He commended Christian for remaining humble despite reaching the height of his career.
The former captain added that Ghana and the world at large has lost a great soul, as Atsu is irreplaceable.
Find Asamoah Gyan’s tribute:
Christian was one of my favourite players and also one of the guys very close to my heart.
I’m not God but the trust Christian had in me was unbelievable. He always tells me “ Asa, please try and play every game for us cos I don’t see us winning without you”.
Anytime he sees me, he shakes he head and starts laughing. After every goal I score, Christian always walks to me and always say “ Asa, Nyame shira wo (God bless you). My heart is in pain for loosing humble, innocent and unbelievable footballer like Christian. Thank you for everything. Rest in Peace Brother.
Today, Friday, March 17 the late Christian Atsu’s family, friends, football players, and prominent figures, includingPresident Akufo-Addo, have gathered to pay their final respects.
Atsu was discovered dead on Saturday, having spent the previous 12 days trapped beneath wreckage after the terrible earthquake that devastated Turkey and Ukraine.
A group thought to be from Ada, the hometown of the late Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu, put on a vibrant cultural presentation.
The group, which consisted of roughly twelve people and carried a variety of things, entered the funeral grounds dancing, showcasing their rich cultural heritage.
Following the rituals at the State House’s forecourt, Christian Atsu will be buried in Dogome, which is part of the Greater Accra Region.
Following an earthquake that rocked Turkey on February 6, 2023, Christian Atsu passed away in February when his lifeless body was discovered in the ruins of his collapsed flat in Hatay.
The former Ghanaian International in his 7 years international career played at the World Cup and help Ghana finish second in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, in which he won the best player of the tournament.
When former President John Dramani Mahama arrived at the burial site of late Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu, there were raucous cheers for him.
Sharaf Mahama, a football player, and his father John Mahama were warmly welcomed by the crowd when they arrived.
Prior to taking his seat, John Mahama made introductions to the dignitaries in attendance as well as the family of Christian Atsu.
To pay their final respects to Atsu, Mahama and his son Sharaf also made their way past the coffin.
When the body of Christian Atsu was first discovered on February 16, 2023, John Mahama paid glowing tributes to him.
“We all held our breaths, and we prayed as we heard the miracles of people pulled out of the rubble. We prayed that ours would be one of those miracles, too. Alas, it was not to be. But in all, we give thanks to the almighty God for giving Atsu to us even for the short 31 years of his life.
“At this time, Lordina and I extend our deepest condolences to his family and the football fraternity in Ghana,” he shared on Facebook.
Christian Atsu passed in February after his lifeless body was recovered from the rubble of his collapsed apartment in Hatay following an earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6, 2023.
Theformer Ghanaian International in his 7 years international career played at the World Cup and help Ghana finish second in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, in which he won the best player of the tournament.
In a moment that was both heartbreaking and deeply emotional, Christian Atsu’s widow and three young children filed past his remains during his funeral service.
As they gazed upon the casket containing their beloved husband and father, their faces were etched with unimaginable grief and pain.
It was a devastating sight that left many in attendance in tears, as they struggled to come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being.
The family received comfort and support from loved ones and well-wishers, who joined them in mourning the loss of a beloved member of the community.
Despite the outpouring of love and support from friends and family, it was clear that nothing could ease the agony of their loss.
Christian Atsu may be gone, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Former GFA vice president George Afriyie has revealed that late Black Stars forward Christian Atsu was a man who never made light of his tithing while he was alive.
Atsu perished in the deadly earthquake that struck Turkey, which claimed many lives. It took 12 days for his dead body to be found after the Ghanaian international was buried beneath the debris.
Speaking on Friday, March 17, at the player’s final funeral rites, Afriyie recalled his favourite moment with the 31-year-old while he was still alive.
“There is always one thing that I will always not forget. Tony [Appiah] will tell me that ‘George, Atsu and his tithe, he doesn’t miss them.’, he said.
“As for his calculations, he doesn’t miss and he will make sure that the 10% is paid per what the Christian faith believes. This is so unique.”
In his final match as a player, Atsu helped Hatayspor defeat Kasimpasa 1-0. The Ghanaian scored the game’s only goal with a beautiful free kick.
The President of Ghana, along with many Ghanaians, is mourning the loss of Christian Atsu today.
During the service, the President and other state officials filed past Atsu’s casket.
Without hesitation, the President took a deep bow in front of the casket and later turned to bow to Atsu’s family.
Other officials followed his lead. It was an endearing gesture that showed the deep sadness felt by all. Stay tuned for more updates on this sad story.
The final funeral rites of Christian Atsu Twasam, former Ghanaian football international star is underway at the forecourt of the State House – Accra.
His mortal remains arrived at the funeral grounds in the wee hours of Friday, March 17, 2034.
GhanaWeb’s Joseph Nii Adamafio reporting from the grounds said the body was brought in by personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces for the State-Assisted Funeral of the late footballer.
The military upon arrival, set up the casket draped in Ghana’s national flag before leaving it for attendees to pay their last respect to the footballer.
Christian Atsu met his untimely death when he was recovered from the rubble of his collapsed apartment in Hatay following an earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6, 2023.
Today, Friday, March 17, 2023, is a sad day as Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu‘s mortal remains lie in State.
Marie-Claire Rupio, the late Ghanaian footballer’s wife, has expressed immense grief over her husband’s passing.
Rupio stated in a heartfelt tribute that even though her spouse was no longer by her side, she knows their connection would last a lifetime.
According to her, Atsu served as a leader, a support system, a provider, an advisor, and a confidante for her and the kids.
Photo gallery of Christian Atsu, wife and children
Find below her tribute :
Lying before me today is the mortal remains of a beloved father and husband. I knew little that morning that God is going to call you home, In life ,I love you dearly . In death I do the same. It breaks my heart to lose you. You did not go alone. For part of me went with you. Your love is still my guide, and though I cannot see you.
You are always on my side, you were always so full of life. You seemed to be immortal. Your smile, your love, I see you in our children’s smile. You are never really gone as part of you is within them.
You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. But as you always say, God win. In love, your wife.
Tribute from late Christian Atsu’s wife
Christian Astu was among those involved in the earthquake that occurred in Turkey on February 6, 2023.
Sadly, he did not survive the disaster, as he was pulled out of the rubble dead on Saturday, February 18, 2023. It has been a heart wrenching moment for all Ghanaians and sports world.
Christian Atsu didn’t have a lucky start in life, but with talent and perseverance, he was able to fulfill his dream of playing professional football and, with it, a desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
The football world has been in mourning since Christian Atsu was confirmed dead after being trapped in the rubble following the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey in February.
At 31, the former Ghana international was nearly at the twilight of his career and his demise comes as a painful loss because he had a lot to offer, both on and off the pitch.
Born in Ada Foah in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, Atsu became a shining light to his family and community and made it his duty to impact the lives of others.
One of 10 children born by his parents and the son of a fisherman, Atsu’s career and life were a testament to what one can achieve with the right mix of determination, luck and opportunity.
Not only was he a devoted Christian, but he also made it his mission to care for the less privileged by using his funds to make their lives better.
In a 2019 interview with the Guardian, Atsu said: “My faith is the most important thing in my life. I know I’m one of the lucky people God has blessed.
“I’m very lucky and privileged to be in this position. I had nothing and now I’ve got too much so I have to give something back.”
This overly dutiful thinking – of owing his society and of being lucky to be privileged – guided his every step when he had his breakthrough and he never lost himself to fame and money.
The model footballer
Christian Atsu’s football career started on the dusty pitches in Accra before he was snapped up by the Feyenoord Soccer Academy in Gomoa Fetteh.
He would eventually end up at Cheetah FC, where he was given the platform to develop his game to the next level and, in 2011, he secured his first European trial at FC Porto.
Then just a teenager, Atsu impressed the Portuguese outfit and was handed a permanent contract, although he only trained with Porto’s youth team.
A loan move to Rio Ave would follow, as he sought more game time. In 27 matches for Rio Ave, the winger scored six goals and returned to Porto as a more mature footballer.
Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas integrated him into the first team during the 2012/13 campaign, with Atsu starting nine matches as the club won the league – his first major trophy.
That impressive season with the Portuguese giants earned Atsu a dream move to Chelsea. Unfortunately for him, though, he would spend the next four years with the Blues without making a single first-team appearance.
In that time, he was farmed out on loan to Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle United, before permanently joining the latter in 2017.
Atsu would spend five years at St. James’ Park, helping the Magpies to gain promotion to the Premier League and playing over 50 matches in the white and black jersey.
He parted ways with Newcastle in the summer of 2021 following the expiration of his contract and joined Saudi Arabia side Al Raed on a free transfer that same summer.
After just a year in the Middle East, the Ghanaian winger moved to Turkey to joinHatayspor, where he tragically died in the earthquake just a day after scoring his first goal for the club.
The philanthropist
Atsu’s impact wasn’t just limited to the football pitch. Off it, he also took steps to make life better for the less privileged.
He was always willing to give and he paid the fees of many, including the popular Nigerian comedian Craze Clown.
He was also an ambassador for many children’s charity foundations. In Ghana, he financed the Becky’s Foundation, which caters for orphans.
He had even started building a school for the orphanage, which is made up of nine classrooms, libraries, a pitch and ultramodern libraries, before his death. He was also an ambassador of the charity organisation Arms Around the Child.
Furthermore, he played a huge role in the non-custodial sentencing bill and teamed up with the Crime Check Foundation to pay the fines of petty criminals.
These included persons who were languishing in prison over petty theft, and also helped to reintegrate the freed inmates into society. The winger even went as far as providing money for some of them to start businesses.
In a 2018 interview, Atsu tried to explain the motive behind his philanthropic works: “I lived in an uncompleted building. Every time I go back to Ghana, I see the building I lived in. It’s still uncompleted.
“I say to my friends ‘this was me, this is where I came from’. It’s hard in Africa. You cannot imagine what it is like to see the kids with no money, no house, with nowhere to go.”
“We have to build a better world. As a grown-up guy like me, I can suffer. That’s fine. But not the kids. Not when it’s not their fault.”
Atsu’s achievements
Atsu’s football career lasted over a decade and although he was blighted by injuries at his peak, he still had some achievements to his name.
At Porto, he won the Portuguese league title as well as the Portuguese Super Cup. He was also voted as the club’s young player of the year in 2011.
He also made his mark during his loan spell with Vitesse, where he was voted the club’s player of the year in 2014. With Newcastle United, too, he won the EFL Championship in their promotion season.
For Ghana, Atsu’s best performances came during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he helped the Black Stars to finish as runners-up to the Ivory Coast.
Atsu emerged as the player of the tournament, with his long-range strike against Guinea also voted as the goal of the tournament.
The wife of deceased Black Stars player, Christian Atsu Twasam Marie-Claire Rupio, and kids have arrived in Ghana for the funeral rites of the familyy.
The late football star’s spouse, her parents, other family members, and her three children with Atsu arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on the evening of Thursday, March 16, 2023, according to a report by the media.
A video of their arrival as shared by Kofi TV shows the family being rushed into a waiting car before departing the airport.
The State-Assisted funeral of Atsu is underway at the forecourt of the State House, Accra where thousands are expected to pay their last respect to the player.
Christian Atsu met his untimely death when he was recovered from the rubble of his collapsed apartment in Hatay following an earthquake that struck Turkey on February 6, 2023.
Christian Atsu’s widow, Claire Marie-Rupio shares a touching throwback photo as the late footballer’s burial approaches.
The late Ghanaian footballer passed away in the Turkey earthquake.
Atsu, who was 29 years old, played for the Ghana national team and had a successful career in Europe, including spells at Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Late Christian Atsu’s wife share a picture of them ahead of his burial
His wife shared the photo on social media as a tribute to her late husband.
Fans and fellow players have also shared their condolences and memories of Atsu online.
The Black Stars players who represent their country in Europe and other parts of the world will not have the chance to say goodbye to their late teammate, Christian Atsu.
The burial and funeral service for Christian Atsu have been scheduled for Friday, March 17, 2023.
Due to the date, players who compete in European leagues will be unable to attend the ceremony because they will be engaged in club activities.
The last weekend before the international break is March 17; during this time, clubs will release any players Chris Hughton has called up.
This means that the likes of Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Andre Ayew, and all members of the 25-man squad announced Chris Hughton will miss the chance to say a final goodbye to their fallen mate.
When asked about the development by Graphic Sports, the local manager of Christian Atsu, Abdul Haye Yartey disclosed that the decision on the date was taken by the family, in agreement with the government.
“The preparation for the funeral has not factored in a role by the Black Stars as it stands despite the GFA playing a significant role in the arrangement,” Mr Yartey told Graphic Sports.
“Preparations are at an advanced stage and I can tell you that the government is playing a major role with the family to ensure Atsu gets a befitting burial.”
Five days after the funeral, the Black Stars will take on Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
It is expected that the players and the Ghana Football Association will pay some form of respect to Christian Atsu before and during the game.
Henry Asante Twum of the FA is quoted to have said “we are in constant communication with the family of Atsu and the government in the preparation for the funeral to ensure we send him off in a befitting way.”
The former Chelsea winger’s body will be taken to the State House’s Forecourt for final rites before burial.
The appropriate attire for the event is black, according to the family’s announcement.
The memorial service will take place at the State House’s Forecourt on the day of the burial.
On March 19, 2023, his family will gather to discuss other crucial issues pertaining to the Christian Atsu.
President Akufo-Addo and other leading government officials are expected to attend the funeral.
Background
Ghanaians were thrown into a state of mourning on Saturday, February 18 after confirmation came that a body retrieved at a rescue site in Hatay, Turkey was that of Christian Atsu.
The rescue team had been frantically looking for Christian Atsu after he went missing following an earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria on February 6.
His body was subsequently flown to Ghana where a short ceremony was performed to welcome him into the country.
Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia who was the leading government official at the ceremony said the government was going to collaborate with the family to give Atsu a befitting funeral.
Former Black Starsplayers will gather later this week to finalize arrangements for the burial of late Black Stars player, Christian Atsu.
The family has set March 17, 2023, as the date for the late player’s funeral.
The funeral will be held at the forecourt of the statehouse, according to the family.
Former Black Stars player, Emmanuel Agyeman Badu told Citi News that the team will do its part to ensure that late Atsu receives a befitting funeral.
“We have lost a great hero and it is something we will sit over it. We will have meetings and discuss what we can do but for now we have to console and support the family and ensure that, there is a befitting burial for our late brother.”
One week observation for Atsu, was held at the Adjiringanor Astro Turf in Accra on Saturday.
The 31-year old, lost his life in the earthquake that struck parts of Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.
Christian Atsu’s Black Stars teammates including, Asamoah Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah, Agyeman Badu, Sulley Muntari, John Mensah, were all in attendance.
Former Black Stars players, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Isaac Vorsah, Haminu Dramani, among others also thronged the Adjiringanor Astro Turf to observe the one week event.
The 31-year-old Atsu played 64 times for the Black Stars and contributed 19 goals and spent the majority of his career playing in the Premier League for clubs such as Chelsea Newcastle United and Everton.
The final funeral rites are expected to be attended by several dignitaries, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and other notable public figures.
Founder of Worldwide Miracle Outreach, Rev Dr Lawrence Tetteh has indicated that Christian Atsu died in order for Ghanaians, particularly celebrities to wake up from their “foolishness.”
He made the statement during the one-week celebration of the late Atsu at the Adjiriganor Astro Turf over the weekend.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has paid a touching tribute to his late Black Stars colleague Christian Atsu.
Atsu died in Turkey after a devastating earthquake struck parts of the country on Monday, February 6, 2023. He was declared dead on February 18 after his body was retrieved from the rubble.
Partey scores for Arsenal and mourns Atsu
Partey, the deputy captain of the Black Stars, scored in Arsenal’s win over Bournemouth in their Premier League game on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Thomas Partey
Partey’s goal, scored in the 62nd minute, rallied Arsenal from two goals down to win 3-2. After scoring, Partey pulled his shirt to reveal a message on the inner shirt. The message read:
Former Black Stars midfielder Sulley Muntari was overcome with emotions as he attended the one-week observance for Christian Atsu.
Muntari, part of a group of former Ghana internationals who went to mourn with Atsu’s family, could not help but broke down in tears while seated at the ceremony.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit parts of Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6, 2023. One of the hardly-hit areas was the city of Hatay, where Atsu lived and played for the local team, Hatayspor.
Atsu was one of the many people trapped under rubble when their homes collapsed due to the earthquake.
Atsu found dead and returned to Ghana
While many had hoped the player would be removed from the debris alive, it did not turn out to be so.
The Black Stars winger was found dead on Saturday, February 18, 2023, almost two weeks after the earthquake struck.
His body arrived at the Kotoka International Airport from Turkey on Sunday, February 19, 2023, with the one-week observance set for Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Richard Kingston consoles Muntari at Atsu’s one-week
The circumstances of Atsu’s death seem to have hurt Sulley Muntari so much and it was showing all over him at the one-week observance.
In a video shared by GTV Sports+, Muntarisat down in the midst of his colleagues looking sad and moody.
Former Black Stars' goalkeeper Richard Kingston consoles Sulley Muntari who couldn't control his tears at the one week observation of the late Christian Atsu.#GTVSPORTSpic.twitter.com/5C8xpVOaY8
He sobbed for a while leading former goalkeeper Richard Kingston to console him by patting him on the back and rubbing his shoulder.
Atsu’s family release date for his funeral
Meanwhile, the family of the late Black Stars player Christian Atsu has shared date, venue and other details concerning his final funeral rites.
Disclosing the information on the grounds of the one-week observance of the late player, the family stated that the funeral would be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra.
Some former players of the senior national team, Black Stars, thronged the Adjiriganor Astro Turf on Saturday to join the one week celebration of Christian Atsu.
Former Black Stars captains Asamoah Gyan and Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari, Samuel Osei Kufuor, Derrick Boateng were among the few who showed up today.
— The Independent Ghana (@independent_gh) March 4, 2023
Former Black Stars plays at one week celebration of Christian Atsu
According to the bereaved family, Christian Atsu will be laid to rest on March 17, 2023, and the funeral rites will take place at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, John Alan Kyerematen, has donated an amount of GH¢5000 to the family of the late Christian Atsu.
The former Trade Minister made the kind gesture when he joined the bereaved family hold a one week celebration for their beloved Christian at the Adjiriganor Astro Turf on Saturday.
Mr Kyerematen paid respect to the family and extended his warm greeting to sympathisers gathered.
— The Independent Ghana (@independent_gh) March 4, 2023
Among the dignitaries present were Sports and Youth Minister, Mustapha Ussif, President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, his predecessor, Kwasi Nyantakyi. They also made donation to the family.
Ghanaian Gospel Musician, Grace Ashy, has urged Ghanaians to celebrate people when they are alive and not wait till they are dead.
She said this in relation to the death of Ghanaian Footballer, Christian Atsu.
Christian Atsu, 31, was a victim of the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria.
He played for Hatayspor, the day before the 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck. The devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria about two weeks ago claimed the lives of over 46,000 people.
12 days after the incident, Atsu was found dead.
On Sunday night, February 19, 2023, Atsu’s body arrived in Ghana via Turkish Airlines.
After his death, Madam Grace Ashy composed a tribute song for the late footballer which she released when she visited Atsu’s family house.
Speaking on Atinka TV‘s morning show, Ghana Nie with Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Darkwa, Grace Ashy said, “I know it does not really happen, but let us learn to celebrate people whiles they are alive, let us appreciate them because the dead will not hear whatever you are doing.”
She continued, “Our brothers have played football and sacrificed a lot for the country, if we have anything to say to them like thank you or something, it should be now, not after when they are dead.”
Grace Ashy who said she had spoken with Christian Atsu for a few times said the late footballer was a very humble person.
According to her, it was difficult for her to believe Atsu was really dead, because she wished it were not true.
Meanwhile, she said the tribute song is something to appreciate him.
“There are a lot of players but there are few that I have a relationship with. I really appreciate Atsu, the fact that he helped orphans and gave hope to those without hope. So, if he has left us, we have to do something for him and this is what I can do,” she said.
On Tuesday, March 1, 2023, Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell and a few executive members of the Ghana Olympic Committee paid a visit to the home of the late Ghanaian footballerChristian Atsu.
Christian Atsu, a member of the Ghanaian Black Stars, lost his life in the February 6, 2023 earthquake in Turkey.
Following his passing, a number of athletes have paid their respects to the former Newcastle player, with Asafa Powell, the fourth-fastest man in the world, being the most recent.
The sprinting champion offered the grieving family some words of comfort and promised to be there for them during this trying time.
Asafa Powell also signed the book of condolence which has been opened at the family house of the late Ghanaian international.
Members of the Ghana Olympic Committee, were led their President, Ben Nunoo Mensah also made a financial commitment to the family as they prepare to lay their loved one to rest.
Asafa Powell, who is married to Ghanaian-American, Alyshia Akua Miller, arrived in Ghana on February 27, 2023. Asafa Powell is expected to visit some schools in Ghana to inspire upcoming athletes in the country.
The Jamaican has also been scheduled to meet President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Ghanaian musician Albert Apoozore popular known as King Ayisoba, decided to use his craft to soothe the aching hearts of mourners at the family home of the late Christian Atsu.
In a video that has since gone viral, the ‘I Want To See My Father’ hitmaker was spotted playing his traditional guitar, called the kologo, as he sang a melodious song to guests and family of Atsu.
He was accompanied by another colleague who played the calabash and danced while Ayisoba sang.
Ghanaian musician Albert Apoozore, popularly known as King Ayisoba, decided to use his craft to soothe the aching hearts of mourners at the family home of the late Christian Atsu.
In a video that has since gone viral, the ‘I Want To See My Father’ hitmaker was spotted playing his traditional guitar, called the kologo, as he sang a melodious song for guests and family of Atsu.
He was accompanied by another colleague who played the calabash and danced while Ayisoba sang.
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, has stated that he will take all necessary steps to ensure that the late Black Stars winger Christian Atsu is given a respectable funeral.
The President made this statement on Monday, February 27, when he welcomed the player’s family and Ghana FA officials to the Jubilee House.
“I want the Chief of Staff to make sure we organise a state-assisted funeral for Christian Atsu depending on the date that you the members of the family and the GFA will select.
“Everything will be done from the point of view of the government to make sure that he is given a dignified exit. I owe it as my responsibility as President to make sure that that happens,” President Akufo-Addo stressed.
The Ghanaian President continued, “The decision as to when the funeral will take place depends on the family. That is the tradition in Ghana. Whatever the decision, whatever date you choose, you should know that the government will stand squarely behind you to make sure that we give him a fitting burial”.
Christian Atsu’s funeral has not yet been scheduled, but his family has set March 4 as the start of aone-week mourning period.
A Ghanaian fashion brand, Garment Solutions, has pledged to support a project that former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, was financing before his tragic death.
The desire to assist a school Atsu was building in Senya Beraku arose after one Gaynor shared a footage of the current status of the school while soliciting for assistance.
“Here is the latest video of the school build that Christian Atsu was funding. As you can see it’s almost done but we need to raise some more funds in order to finish it. A big thank you to all who have donated so far. Please share the @gofundme link in my bio and help spread the word as we still have a way to go. Thank you!,” she wrote on Instagram.
Christian Atsu monitoring progress of Senya Beraku school
Reacting to her request, Garment Solutions said the business, rather than assist with cash, provides school uniforms for students.
“I know this not related to the building but can I help by providing their school uniforms? I’m a dressmaker in Ghana,” the business wrote.
The Black Stars midfielder, prior to his demise, was financing the construction of a school block for the people of Senya Beraku, located in the Awutu Senya District of the Central Region.
In 2018, Atsu had completed paperwork for a portion of land which he intends to use for the construction of the school block.
Christian Atsu monitoring progress of Senya Beraku school
“I’m very happy, today I received the deeds for the land in #SenyaBeraku which means we can send the first part of the funding out to Ghana to start the building of the new school,” Atsu posted on Twitter.
The 31-year-old was a global ambassador for a non-governmental organisation called Arms Around the Child, whose primary mission is to ‘support children living in extreme diversity’.
Current of Senya Beraku school started by Christian Atsu
Today, Monday, February 27, 2023, President Akufo-Addois scheduled to meet with the family of late Christian Atsu as well as representatives of the Ghana Football Association, and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif to discuss the final burial arrangement for the deceased.
Following the 7.8 magnitude catastrophe, Christian Atsu was discovered dead under the debris at his residence in the Turkish province of Hatay.
His body was subsequently brought to Ghana with government representatives, members of the football community, colleagues, supporters, and Ghanaians, in general offering their condolences to the bereaved family.
On March 4, 2023, the deceased footballer will be remembered with a one-week memorial observation at Adjiringanor in Accra.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Yussif told the media that: “We will call on the President on Monday. Once we do that, the plan that the family has tabled before the Ministry and GFA would be made public because it is subject to the confirmation of the president. A funeral planning committee has also been set up to ensure a befitting funeral.”
The government has vowed to fully engage with the family in giving Atsu a proper burial.
Last Friday, discussions were completed between the Atsu family, Ghana Football Association representatives, and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif ahead of the late footballer’s final funeral rites.
Meanwhile, the family says it is incredibly grateful for the affection and support shown to them in the wake of the tragic passing of their relative in the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
The Twasams are especially appreciative of the assistance received from the government, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and Ghanaians during this difficult time.
Robert Ani, a family spokesman, told Citi News that the family’s gratitude for Christian Atsu’s demise cannot be adequately expressed in words.
“The support of government and Ghanaians has been overwhelming. First, I want to thank President Akufo-Addo for taking a keen interest right from when the incident occurred. The President has been very helpful. We just want to say thank you to him and Ghanaians also. The support has been overwhelming. People have been calling, visiting and offering the support they can. So far, I will say that it has been overwhelming”, he said.
It has been a week since the death of former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu was confirmed and reported.
Since then, both the nuclear and extended family of the late Atsu have been working to come to terms with it.
They have confirmed that his demise is a big blow which has left them heart broken.
The widow, Marie-Claire Rupio has barely said much after the incident aside from urging the media to desist from misidentification in their reports on her late husband.
Recently, she shared some pictures she took with her husband. For many, this is how she griefs her husband’s painful demise.
Christian Atsu and Marie-Claire Rupio Christian Atsu with one of his three children in a plane
Atsu and Rupio got married in 2012 and have three children. They had been married for 11 years before the tragic incident in Turkey on February 6, led to his death.
Ghanaian actor and producer, Samuel Ofori has disclosed how a timely intervention by former Black Stars player Christian Atsu saved his life.
He says he owes his life to the late Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, who came to his aid in the nick of time.
The actor revealed for the first time that he would have been long dead but for a single phone call Atsu placed to him right on time when he was about committing suicide.
In a self-taken video, Mr Ofori revealed at that time, he was depressed following some false accusations against him in Germany which made him trend for the wrong reasons.
According to him, Ghanaians descended heavily on him without hearing his side of the story, and he felt his good reputation was over and he was better off dead.
However, as he sat thinking of how to end it all, he said Atsu called to check up on him and inquired about the multiple headlines he read on social media.
“I was so frustrated at that time that I neglected all calls, but when I saw his, I answered. He was worried about me and asked for my side of the story. After I narrated everything to him, he motivated me to ignore because it was a trivial issue. What he did not know was that if that call had not come, I would have drank something poisonous. Just the single call changed my life.”
Not only did he comfort him, Mr Ofori said Atsu requested for his Ghanaian wife’s number and explained the entire situation to her.
Due to Atsu’s intervention, the matter was quickly resolved and he went on to make the most of his life.
On how his relationship with Atsu started, the filmmaker said Atsu called to compliment his talent after watching his 2019 movie, Make Up Girls starring Jessica Williams.
Since then, they were the very best of friends until Atsu lost his life under the rubble after an earthquake in Turkey.
Abraham Twasam, elder brother of the late Christian Atsu, has responded to Nana Agradaa’s claims that his brother was into ‘Black magic’ (Juju).
Earlier, when news of the Ghanaian footballer’s demise hit social media, Nana Agradaa claimed that God did not rescue him from the earthquake in Turkey, because he (Christian Atsu) was unrighteous.
The preacher, who used to be a fetish priestess, has since been lambasted by critics including Ajagurajah and Evangelist Diana Asamoah.
Agradaa while addressing her congregants in a viral video said:
“Ask yourself why some people survived and others couldn’t. I always tell people that every human being on this earth should accept Jesus Christ. If deep within, you know you have accepted God, all sorts of disasters will take place but you will survive it. People look at the lighter side of things, they think because certain people are kind so it’s an automatic ticket to be spared from all kinds of things.
“To us, we think Atsu is a complete angel, but it is otherwise in the sight of God. What human beings approve of is not what God approves. If you belong to the world, the world will hail you, but if you belong to God, thousands of angels will back you. You can’t rely on juju, freemason, occults, and so on just because you want to enhance your career and expect to escape judgement.”
But disclosing how the family, including him, feels about such utterances, Christian Atsu’s brother said:
“I have seen and heard what people are saying. The ridiculous stories. Mama Pat also said some but she is a grown woman and I expect her to know better. If I want to match her head-on, it will look as though I don’t respect. She doesn’t know us; she doesn’t know our family.
“Atsu was very young when he travelled to Portugal. He left at age 14 and grew up over there. How will he practice juju? He was nurtured like a white man, so how is it possible to access black magic? It’s because this had happened and everyone is saying what they like. So she also feels that she can share her opinion. We don’t have anything to tell her, it is God who sees and know the heart of men,” he stated in an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV.
Meanwhile, the one-week observation of the late Christian Atsu is slated for March 4, 2023, at the Agiringanor Astroturf, in Accra. Atsu died in Turkey after an earthquake struck the country killing thousands.
Before the President Cup match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko on March 5, 2023, the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairman Kudjoe Fianoo has announced that his organisation will pay tribute to Christian Atsu.
On February 6, 2023, an earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria claimed the life of Christian Atsu.
Twelve days passed while Atsu was missing before his body was discovered in the wreckage.
The deceased midfielder’s mortal remains were transported to Ghana on a Turkish Airlines flight on Sunday and have since been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital.
The former Ashantigold SC Chief Executive Officer hinted that Atsu would be honoured by GHALCA during the President Cup in an interview with Happy FM.
“We are all saddened by the demise of Atsu, however, if things go as expected, we will organise a curtain-raiser game for him before the President Cup,” he said.
The son of a fisherman, Christian Atsu never got caught in the trappings of fame.
Humble beginnings meant the Ghana midfielder, who lost his life in the recent earthquakes that devastated Turkey and Syria, tried to use his success to help others in their lives.
His generosity and charitable nature led one former international team-mate to describe Atsu as “one in a million”.
“He helped a lot of people solve their problems, gave cash out to those in need,” John Paintsil told BBC Sport Africa.
“Atsu’s mind was so good that it could come up with different ideas.
“He was jovial and creative, like a movie star,” the former Fulham and West Ham defender added.
“We have lost a great soul. He was one in a million because he sometimes put others before himself.”
The ‘Ghana Messi’
Perhaps the highlight of Atsu’s international career came at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Equatorial Guinea where he scored two goals en route to the final which was won by Ivory Coast on penalties.
Nonetheless, the left-footed midfielder picked up two awards of his own for best goal and best player at the tournament.
“He was a joy to be with and a great team-mate, someone who had an abundance of skill and quality,” said Kwesi Appiah, who played alongside Atsu at that 2015 Afcon.
“He was nicknamed Ghana’s Messi for his style and also the way we relied on him as a team,” revealed the former Crystal Palace striker.
“He was an exceptional player and I’m really honoured to have shared some special moments with him on the pitch.”
In total, Atsu represented his country 62 times, scoring 10 goals.
“Away from football, he was very caring and supportive and would go out of his way to help anyone,” Appiah continued.
“He’d light up any room.”
From fishing in Ghana to finding the net in Europe
Atsu was born in January 1992 in Ada Foah, a town on the south-east coast of Ghana where the Volta River joins the Atlantic Ocean to create the delta that allowed his late father to eke out a living fishing and farming.
Growing up, he shared a cramped bedroom with his mother, twin sister Christiana and four other siblings.
Like other African kids, football was the dream ticket out of poverty.
Atsu cut his teeth at local clubs Cheetah FC and Feyenoord Fetteh – the African academy of Dutch side Feyenoord – before a move to Portuguese giants FC Porto in 2009.
Atsu was just 17 when he arrived in Portugal, initially struggling to break into the first team.
But a successful loan spell at Rio Ave saw him finally make the breakthrough at his parent club during the 2012/13 campaign.
25 appearances in all competitions for Porto, as well as playing every match as Ghana finished fourth at the Afcon in South Africa, convinced Chelsea to snap him up in September 2013.
But the move to London, for a reported fee of £3.5 million, did not work out as planned because Atsu never played a senior game for the Blues.
Instead, he became part of Chelsea’s loan army, with temporary spells in the Netherlands, England and Spain at Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga.
But his stop-start club career did not impact Atsu’s performances on the international stage; it was during this time that he shone so brightly for the Black Stars at the 2015 Afcon.
During another loan, Atsu helped Newcastle United win promotion back to the Premier League, scoring in the game which clinched an immediate return to the English top flight.
The move was made permanent soon after.
Christian Atsu played over 100 games for Newcastle United and had a key role in the club’s promotion back to the English Premier League in the 2016/17 season under Rafa Benitez, a coach who thought highly of the midfielder
“He was someone who was very gentle, quite softly spoken,” said BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck, who remembers Atsu from that successful promotion campaign.
“(He) was often singled out by Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce [both former Newcastle managers] for his hard work in training and a really high level of physical fitness.”
After five years at St James’ Park, Atsu suffered an injury-blighted season in Saudi Arabia with Al-Raed before joining Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor in September last year.
In a poignant twist of fate, he scored a winning goal in the 97th minute of Hatayspor’s match against Kasimpasa just hours before the first earthquake struck to claim his life.
He was 31 years old.
‘A truly unique and wonderful man’
But perhaps Atsu’s biggest success came off the pitch, where he led a life that was very much the opposite of the bling stereotype associated with modern day footballers.
He returned to Cheetah FC, where he learned his trade, donating boots and other items to the Ghanaian second-tier side’s academy.
He also focused on rehabilitating criminals, people who were desperate for food and ended up convicted of petty crimes.
Atsu believed that prison should not damage people and he was responsible for reuniting several impoverished families in Ghana after paying out thousands of dollars in fines and bail money.
In one example, he helped free a 62-year-old grandmother and her daughter, jailed for stealing two dollar’s worth of corn to feed their family.
He gave some of the prisoners money to get them started in business and also upgraded the football pitch in Awutu Prison.
But Atsu’s philanthropy was not limited solely to helping those in trouble with the law.
“He was such a giver, such a super human being,” Ellie Milner, chairperson of Arms Around the Child, told the BBC when asked about the midfielder’s work with vulnerable children.
“When he visited the children, he would arrive and kick off his shoes and play barefoot.
“They would welcome him like a hero, but also like a father, uncle or brother.”
Atus had been an ambassador for the charity since 2016 and was the main benefactor of a Ghanaian school supporting abandoned children, orphans, the chronically ill and those rescued from trafficking.
“He was a truly unique and wonderful man,” added Milner.
“One of the kindest, most talented, humble people to enter this world.”
“His legacy will live on through the many hundreds, if not thousands of lives he has helped.”
Issaka admitted that after facing the former Chelsea player, he was forced to give up playing football in Ghana.
Sam Ardy, a late Ghanaian coach, reportedly told Awudu Issaka that Christian Atsu is a player who shares many of his characteristics.
“Atsu did not play for my team, but he has been a blessing to a lot of people. I got to know Atsu through Sam Arday while in Europe. Sam Arday called and told me we have gotten a player of my calibre in the person of Atsu. When I arrived in Ghana, I watched him and realized his potential,” he said as quoted by footballghana.com
“After my career in Europe, I came to Ghana. We played a game with Feyenoord, a team coached by Sam Arday at the time; in fact, that was the first time I played against Atsu and Harrison Afful. Truth be told, the two players gave me a tough time; they didn’t allow me to enjoy the game, and that is why I lost interest in playing in Ghana.”
Christian Atsu started his career at Gomoa Feteh Feyenoord and later joined Cheetah FC before securing a move to FC Porto in Portugal to kick-start his professional career.
The family of Christian Atsu will meet withPresident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday, February 27, 2023, to discuss the player’s funeral arrangements, according to a statement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
On Friday, February 24, 2023, Christian Atsu’s family, led by Nene Gabriel Kofi Tswasam, called Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports, to formally inform him of their son’s passing.
The meeting, according to the Ministry, also covered the late Black Stars winger’s burial and funeral, as the government had previously promised to pay for the funeral through Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“On February 24, 2023, the family of the late Christian Atsu Tswasam called on the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, to officially inform him of the death of their son and to deliberate on the burial and funeral of the late Atsu.”
“After deliberating on the burial of the late Atsu, it was concluded that a meeting will be held with the President of the Republic of Ghana on Monday, February 27, 2023, to agree on a suitable date for his burial,” read part of the minister’s statement.
Background
Twelve days after a devastating earthquake struck parts of Turkey and Syria, Christian Atsu was discovered dead on the morning of Saturday, February 18, 2022, at the scene of his collapsed apartment.
Christian Atsu’s one-week celebration has been set for Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Accra.
Christian Atsu participated in four other African Cup of Nations competitions in addition to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
He played for the Black Stars in 65 games overall from 2012 to 2019, scoring nine goals.
The family of Christian Atsu led by Nene Gabriel Kofi Tswasam on Friday, February 24, 2023, called on the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif to officially inform him about the death of their son.
The meeting according to the Ministry was also to discuss the burial and funeral of the late Black Stars winger as the government had earlier promised through Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to fund the cost of the funeral.
“On Friday 24th February, 2023 the family of the late Christian Atsu Tswasam called on the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif to officially inform him of the death of their son and to deliberate on the burial and funeral of the late Atsu.”
“After deliberating on the burial of the late Atsu, it was concluded that a meeting will be held with the President of the Republic of Ghana on Monday 27th February 2023 to agree on a suitable date for his burial,” part of the Minister’s statement sighted by GhanaWeb Sports read.
Background
Christian Atsu was found dead on the morning of Saturday, February 18, 2022, at the site of his collapsed apartment twelve days after a devastating earthquake hit parts of Turkey and Syria.
The one-week observation of Christian Atsu has been scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Accra.
Christian Atsu played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and four other African Cup of Nations tournaments.
In all, Christian Atsu made 65 appearances and scored 9 goals for the Black Stars from 2012-2019.
Ghanaian kumawood actor and producer, Samuel Ofori says he owes his life to the late Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, who came to his aid in the nick of time.
The actor revealed for the first time that he would have been long dead but for a single phone call Atsu placed to him right on time when he was about committing suicide.
In a self-taken video, Mr Ofori revealed at that time, he was depressed following some false accusations against him in Germany which made him trend for the wrong reasons.
According to him, Ghanaians descended heavily on him without hearing his side of the story, and he felt his good reputation was over and he was better off dead.
However, as he sat thinking of how to end it all, he said Atsu called to check up on him and inquired about the multiple headlines he read on social media.
“I was so frustrated at that time that I neglected all calls, but when I saw his, I answered. He was worried about me and asked for my side of the story. After I narrated everything to him, he motivated me to ignore because it was a trivial issue. What he did not know was that if that call had not come, I would have drank something poisonous. Just the single call changed my life.”
Not only did he comfort him, Mr Ofori said Atsu requested for his Ghanaian wife’s number and explained the entire situation to her.
Due to Atsu’s intervention, the matter was quickly resolved and he went on to make the most of his life.
On how his relationship with Atsu started, the filmmaker said Atsu called to compliment his talent after watching his 2019 movie, Make Up Girls starring Jessica Williams.
Since then, they were the very best of friends until Atsu lost his life under the rubble after an earthquake in Turkey.
Christian Atsu’s one-week observation has been set for March 4, 2023, at the Adjiringanor Astro-Turf.
The Ghana Football Association and the Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, met with the Twasam family on Friday, and they discussed the specifics of the one-week observation.
Confirming the date for the one-week observation, a spokesperson for the family, Robert Ani, said, “It’s been agreed that on March 4, the one-week observation will be held at the Adjiringanor Astro-Turf.”
On Saturday, February 18, 2023, Christian Atsu’s body was recovered from the rubble of a building following the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey in the early hours of February, where he had been trapped for over 12 days.
The Ghanaian-International forward’s mortal remains were returned to Ghana on February 19, and the family has announced that a one-week memorial service will be held on March 4, 2023.
31-year-old Christian Atsu left behind a wife and three children, who are all based in the United Kingdom.’
The late Christian Atsu and Mubarak Wakaso had a bromance which was only made official somewhere in 2022, when the former informed the world that he had found a “brother” in Wakaso.
On July 10, Atsu tweeted “there are friends that become family.”
This tweet resurfaced recently when Wakaso took to Twitter to mourn Christian Atsu, who was confirmed dead on February 18, 2023, after being trapped in a debris for 12 days following an earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria.
For many, the reason behind Atsu and Wakaso’s strong bond is unknown although they believe that it has got something to do with the Black Stars.
Both Atsu and Wakaso played for the senior national football team. The duo joined the Black Stars in 2012.
After receiving a call from the then head coach Kwasi Appiah, Atsu had to meet his new colleagues. According to him, he received a warm welcome .
“They were very nice. When a new player arrives, we are always looking for someone who can lift the team, add value to the team and do something different.
Derrick Boateng said we have never had a player like you for many years because you run with the ball. They encouraged me to be honest,” he told Sports journalist, Kwabena Yeboah.
Atsu noted that one of the many who provided encouragement was Mubarak Wakaso, who he then described as “friend.”
Christian Atsu and Mubarak Wakaso during their time with the Black Stars
The 31-year-old stated that his relationship with the midfielder dwelled on respect and the fact that Wakaso was a professional footballer.
“I like that guy so much. He is a professional player. He doesn’t joke with his work. Ghanaians can attest to this.”
“When I play with him, he always tells me ‘Christian, stay up, don’t come back. I will do the work for you but if they give the ball to you, you have to make sure you make good use of it. He put a lot of responsibility on me,” he added.
Wakaso (L) and Atsu (R) behind a game console
For Atsu, playing for the Black Stars was a dream come true, thus did not relent in his effort to stand out and be most productive.
“As Ghanaians footballers, our dream is to represent our country one day at the highest level and when I had the chance, I said to myself I was going to take this chance because I know in the Ghana National team, no matter how good you are, your first game is very important.”
Christian Atsu won 65 caps for Ghana and helped the Black Stars reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final in Equatorial Guinea, winning the Player of the tournament.
As Ghana mourns Christian Atsu, many continue to share his philanthropic acts and his amazing skills while on the pitch.
🖤 Christian Atsu won 65 caps for Ghana and helped the Black Stars reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final in Equatorial Guinea, winning the Player of the tournament. ⭐️
Christian Atsu’s body was discovered in a position that implies he was asleep when the earthquake struck, according to former Black Stars player Augustine Arhinful.
He claimed that a concrete block struck the deceased Ghanaian international forward, who was struck by the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey on February 6, 2023.
Atsu is believed to have died a day after the incident, according to hearsay, as Augustine Arhinful noted.
“When they found Atsu, according to what I heard, he had slept, and the concrete came to hit him. “By the first day, he was gone, and it took that long to find him,” Arhinful said on Max TV.
“When the earth shakes like that and you want to use excavators, you might kill someone who is not dead, so the rescue is a process to dig with your hands,” he added.
On Saturday, February 18, 2023, Christian Atsu’s body was recovered from the rubble of a building where he had been trapped for over 12 days.
Following the arrival of the body on Sunday, February 19, the family has disclosed that a one-week ceremony for the late footballer will be held on March 4, 2023.
President of Liberia and Africa’s only Ballon d’Or award winner, Mr. George Manneh Weah has supported the family of Black Stars winger, Christian Atsu with USD10, 000 to help organize the funeral of the player.
Atsu, who dominated football at the national team and club level, died during the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred in the southern part of Turkey and Syria early this month.
A visit by the delegation on behalf of President George Weah said the token was to support the family in this difficult moment.
A statement by the president said, “I am deeply saddened to hear the devastating news of the passing of my neighbor, my small brother, my young friend, the late Christian Atsu, who was a victim of the recent earthquake in Turkey”.
Mr. Weah expressed his sincere sympathy to the family and urged them to stay strong as he pledged his continuous support to them.
The delegation, in honour of the former Newcastle man, also presented a citation to the family of the Black Stars winger.
Today, world football is mourning Christian Atsu for his massive contribution to football and society.
Marie-Claire Rupio, the gorgeous wife of the late Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu, has shared a photo of her son, Joshua Atsupie, holding a trophy similar in design to the FIFA World Cup.
The young budding footballer plays for the Under 9 division of the football club called Team Gosforth.
After a competitive final in the Pro Motiv8 Tournament in Washington, Joshua Atsupie and his team took home the trophy.
His mother was so happy that she took to her Instagram stories to share the memorable moment.
Considering this incredible milestone in his football career, Marie-Claire hinted that Joshua would make his late father proud.
She captioned the post saying,
Christian Atsu’s son
“Will make his dad proud.”
She then added the crying emoji at the end of the message to signify that she was still in mourning.
Below is an old photo of Atsu’s son radiating with smiles.
