In the quest to unravel the many puzzles surrounding the death of celebrated Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, Abeiku Santana is seeking some answers to his questions.
The whole country has been thrown into a state of mourning since news of the Black Stars winger’s demise broke.
Tons of good testimonials have been pouring in from all angles in a bid to eulogize the popular international football player.
Christian Atsu’s philanthropic nature and what has been described as a ‘heart of gold’ runs through all the statements from individuals who have had an encounter with the late 31-year-old footballer.
Until his demise, he was said to have been paying for the release of prison inmates who had been sentenced due unpaid fines and so on.
That’s not all, orphanages, and all kinds of people he had encountered hailed his ‘kind heart’.
But analyzing all these, Abeiku Santana had wondered why good people do not last on earth.
“Are our good deeds the basis for long life or what exactly is?” He also asked,
In a tribute to the late Christian Atsu during his opening message on the United Showbiz, Abeiku Santana said,
“Nothing can stand in place of death, death is inevitable. With a heavy heart we mourn the death of our brother, Christian Atsu. Job asked God whether man will live again after he dies and God answered him, yes, he will live again.
“In times like this, the testimonies are overwhelming. His colleagues footballers, musicians, journalists, prisoners, orphans, family, everyone, everyone is mourning. So, I ask, why do good people never last on earth? Are our good deeds the basis for long life or what exactly is it? These are the nagging questions we ask ourselves.”
Nearly two weeks after the earthquake, which has claimed close to 50,000 lives in Turkey and Syria, Christian Atsu was officially confirmed dead on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
After his club, Hatayspor, confirmed his passing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement confirming the arrival of his remains in Ghana on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
It is was heart wrenching scene at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) when the remains of the late Christian Atsu arrived on Sunday night.
There was wailing by all who had gathered, particularly his family and fans. However, not all who had wished to be at the Airport managed to get there.
They in turn, turned to social media to extend their condolence and mourn the former Black Stars player.
God,as human as we are,so do we think.On this humanness note,l am sure,you understand our thoughts and questions,when we are in pain💔.Lord,we humbly ask for your comfort and foresight to understand the signs,even in times of difficulties.🙏#RIPCHRISTIANATSU#RIPChristianAtsu🕊️
My heart goes out to the family, friends n the entire football fraternity following the untimely death of one of the greatest footballer @ChristianAtsu20. He was a talented player who brought joy n excitement to fans around the world. He will be deeply missed. #RIPChristianAtsupic.twitter.com/sXBT0tTpPU
Until he passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023,Ghanaian professional football player, Christian Atsu Twasam, spent time with Hatayspor of Turkey’s top division.
While he may have spent the majority of his career playing on loan, Atsu had a pretty successful career playing for renowned clubs in Europe.
He had a special talent and was a great football player. He earned the nickname “Ghana Messi” for his amazing dribbling abilities.
Youth Career
Christian Atsu was born in Ada Foah in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. He attended the Feyenoord Football Academy in Gomoah Fetteh, now the West African Football Academy in Sogakope in the Volta Region of Ghana.
He later joined Cheetah FC for GHC3,000 from Feyenoord in 2009.
Senior career
Patrick Greveraars, a manager scouted him after he arrived at Porto at the age of 17. He was called by first-team manager André Villas-Boas for a Primeira Liga match against Marítimo on May 14, 2011, but he did not leave the bench.
Christian Atsu was sent on loan to fellow league side Rio Ave for the 2011–12 season. On August 28, 2011, he made his debut against Olhanense in a 0–1 home loss. He opened a score at Estádio da Luz against Benfica in the 24th minute, but the hosts eventually won it 5–1 on 16 December 2011.
The Ghanaian landed the first big move in his career in 2013 when he completed a £3.5 million transfer to English Premier League side, Chelsea.
He was sent out on a season-long loan right after the transfer to the Dutch side Vitesse Vitesse. He scored 5 goals in 25 games in the 2013-2014 season.
Atsu signed a five-year contract with Chelsea and spent all five years on loan at other clubs.
After the Vitesse loan deal, he was sent on another season-long loan to Everton, then to Bournemouth, and Malaga before spending the last year of his Chelsea contract at Newcastle United.
Newcastle secured the Ghanaian on a permanent deal in 2017 for £6.2 million from Chelsea. He spent four years at the club before joining Al-Raed as a free agent in 2021.
He played only 8 games for the club before joining Turkish side Hatayspor in September 2022 on an initial one-year contract.
He played three games and scored just one goal. His only goal for the club was a 90th-minute winner from a freekick against Kasimpa a night before the earthquake occurred in Turkey.
International career
Atsu won his first senior cap for Ghana on 1 June 2012 against Lesotho, scoring in the process. He was described by the BBC as an “excellent prospect”, whilst ESPN added he was “quick and technically impressive”, and a potential future star for his national team.
The following year, he was in the Ghanaian squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. He started the first match, a 2–2 draw against DR Congo, and as a substitute in the following 1–0 win over Mali.
He returned to the starting line-up in the last group match against Niger in Port Elizabeth, scoring the second goal of a 3–0 win which put his country into the quarter-finals as group winners.
Atsu featured in the rest of Ghana’s matches as they came forth, scoring in their penalty shootout elimination by Burkina Faso.
Atsu was selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad, starting in all the matches as Ghana was eliminated in the group stage.
At the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, Atsu scored twice in a 3–0 win over Guinea in the quarter-finals. He helped the team to the final, where they lost in a penalty shootout against the Ivory Coast.
At the end of the tournament, he was awarded both the Player of the Tournament and the Goal of the Tournament for his strike against Guinea.
Personal life
Atsu was a devout Christian who shared Bible verses on social media. He was married to a German, Marie-Claire Rupio, with two sons and a daughter.
Honours
Primeira Liga: 2012–13
Supertaca Candido de Oliveira: 2012
EFL Championship: 2016–17
Africa Cup of Nations runner-up:2015
Vitesse Player of the Year: 2013–14
Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament: 2015
Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2015, 2017
Africa Cup of Nations Goal of the Tournament: 2015
With the demise of the Ghanaian international, Abdul Hayye Yartey, the former local manager of Black Stars winger Christian Atsu, claims that the winger was always driven to succeed.
Following an earthquake that hit Turkey two weeks ago, the 31-year-old remained buried under debris for 12 days.
The Football Administrator claimed that ever since the occurrence, it had been difficult for him.
The manager recalled the promises and conversations he had with Christian Atsu when he had the opportunity to fly to the Portuguese side, FC Porto for his trial on January 20, 2010.
“He sent me this message, ‘Thanks Mr Yartey, I appreciate you, I told Isaac my brother that I dreamt that you were the only person who can help me, as I travel for trials, I want to tell you that I will not return, I will succeed, I will play football to the highest level, the world will hear of me, I will make you proud’, he said.
Atsu, known as Ghana’s Messi for his splendid skills sent Ghana to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals where Ghana lost to Ivory Coast on penalties. He was later named the best player of that tournament and also the MVP in the 2017 AFCON.
Also, he won the goal of the tournament in the 2015 AFCON and made the team of the tournament in that same year.
At the club level, the 31-year-old won the Vitesse Player of the Year in the 2013/2014 league season, the Primeira Liga winner, and the EFL Championship winner in the 2016/2017 season.
International player for Ghana Kamaldeen Sulemana has paid respect to the late Christian Atsu, who unfortunately perished in an earthquake in Turkey.
The deadly earthquake that struck Turkey early on Saturday morning stole numerous lives, and the 31-year-death old’s was confirmed shortly after his body was found in the ruins.
“Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.” This news makes me feel incredibly sad. Sincere condolences go out to the family of @christianatsu20. Legend, rest easy,” he tweeted.
Atsu had been trapped under rubble for over 11 days before his passing, with the earthquake claiming the lives of over 45,000 people.
The Ghanaian had recently scored his first goal for Hatayaspor just hours before the natural disaster struck.
During his career, Atsu played 65 matches for Ghana, scoring nine goals. Two of his most famous goals came in the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Egypt and in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, quarter-finals clash against Guinea, where he scored an absolutely breathtaking goal.
Tributes have started pouring in for former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu.
Following the official announcement of the death of Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu, a lot of people including celebrities have been paying tribute to him.
The footballer was among thousands who lost their lives after an earthquake in Turkey and Syria happened on February 6, 2023.
After his club, Hatayspor, confirmed his passing, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also released a statement to that effect.
For the past two weeks, a lot of people had been waiting for positive news about Atsu’s miraculous escape from the disaster until the confirmation of his death.
His mortal remains arrived at the Kotaka International Airport on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
In the meantime, some Ghanaian celebrities have taken to social media to mourn Ghana’s lost treasure.
See some of the reactions below:
Atsu -We are all very sad about your news here in Ghana but I know God will keep you in the right place for us ..we will miss you Christian Atsu 😢😢😢😢😢😢
It’s so insensitive to randomly mention Christian Atsu in tweets just to promote your post. Pray for him, but don’t use his name as a ploy. That’s just inhumane.🤦🏽♀️💔
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. 🤲🏿❤️. My heart out to @ChristianAtsu20 close & extended family. Still in a state of shock & can’t find words. Until we meet again may the light guide your kind & caring heart brother. pic.twitter.com/vUhsbIPDnC
Government has promised the Twasam family a respectable funeral for their late son, Christian Atsu.
Atsu, the deceased winger for the national team, died in an earthquake that shook Turkey two weeks ago and his body was retrieved on Saturday, February 18.
As part of plans to bury him in his homeland, arrangements were made for a Turkish Airline flight to transport his body to Ghana.
Speaking at the Kotoka International Airport, where a homecoming ceremony was held for the late Atsu, the Vice President revealed plans to laisse with the family to give Atsu a befitting burial.
Touching on his life as a humanitarian, Dr Bawumia stated that Atsu deserves to be honoured.
“He played for the Black Stars and he was much loved so we will sorely miss him. This loss is a very painful one and this is a sad day for Ghana. We all prayed and prayed, we hoped against hope for everyday that passed, but God knows best,” he said.
He described the Turkey incident as a tragedy that has robbed Atsu’s beneficiaries and the entire Ghanaian populace of joy.
He offered condolences to the Twasam family on behalf of President Nana Akufo-Addo.
The casket of Christian Atsu has been departed from the airport awaiting traditional family rites.
Mohammed Kudus, a Ghanaian international, scored his first goal ever on Sunday from a direct free-kick to give Ajax a 4-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam.
On the left side of a front three, Kudus started for his team in today’s Eredivisie matchup during Week 22.
Ajax had too much talent and ran riot over the opposition towards the conclusion of the one-sided contest, despite Sparta Rotterdam’s best efforts to shock the home team.
In the first half, Dusan Tadic scored in the 6th minute to give the hosts the lead. Later in the game, a strike from Kenneth Taylor doubled the advantage for Ajax before the break.
While Dusan Tadic would net a second in the 64th minute, Mohammed Kudus also got his name on the scoresheet via a direct free kick with six minutes to end the game to seal a delightful 4-0 win for his team.
Coincidentally, Christian Atsu’s last goal before he passed was a direct free-kick.
To celebrate the goal, the player unveiled a shirt with the caption ‘RIP Atsu’ as he paid his respect to the late Black Stars winger who was confirmed dead on Saturday.
When Mohamed Kudus, an Ajax star, scored his first free-kick goal against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday, he was overcome with joy.
The player honoured the late Black Stars winger who was reported dead on Saturday by unveiling a shirt with the words “RIP Atsu” as he celebrated the goal.
On the left side of a front three, Kudus started for his team in the Eredivisie match of Week 22 today.
Although Sparta Rotterdam will set up to upset the home team, Ajax had too much quality and run riot over the opponent at the end of the one-sided affair.
In the first half, Dusan Tadic scored in the 6th minute to give the hosts the lead. Later in the game, a strike from Kenneth Taylor doubled the advantage for Ajax before the break.
While Dusan Tadic would net a second in the 64th minute, Mohammed Kudus also got his name on the scoresheet via a direct free-kick with six minutes to end the game to seal a delightful 4-0 win for his team.
Coincidentally, Christian Atsu’s last goal before he passed was a direct free-kick.
On Sunday, February 19, the body of late Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu landed in Ghana.
A rescue crew operating in Turkey’s earthquake-affected regions discovered the Black Stars winger dead on Saturday.
Twelve days after the earthquake in Turkey that caused the apartment he was living in to collapse, the player’s lifeless body was discovered.
His mortal remains were placed on a flight yesterday amid widespread grief and tribute.
After several hours, the remains of the player has safely arrived in Ghana.
Christian Atsu’s deceased body has been picked up by government by the burial party of the Ghana Armed Forces.
In the presence of some family members and Ghanaians dressed in Black, prayers were offered for the player before he was taken away by the military officers.
According to H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who is Ghana’s Vice President, Christian Atsu will be given a befitting burial.
A state funeral will be held for thelate Christian Atsu, according to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The late Ghanaian international football player perished tragically on February 6 as a result of a powerful earthquake that shook parts of Turkey and Syria.
On the evening of February 19, during a brief ceremony to receive the late Atsu’s remains from Turkey, Dr. Bawumia declared that the nation had lost an accomplished son who would be missed.
“It is a very sad day that we are here to receive the remains of our brother, Christian Atsu. The earthquake that struck Turkey was devastating, and we prayed every day that passed for our brother to be found, but when he was found, he was no more,” he said.
“He was much loved, and we will surely miss him.” “It is a very painful loss, and we pray that the soul of our brother rests in the bosom of our maker,” he added.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the entire family for their loss, and I would like to say that the state will be fully involved with the family in providing him a befitting burial,” Bawumia declared.
The family of Christian Atsu and the government of Ghana are in possession of his remains following his passing over the weekend, February 18, 2023.
Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration announced that the player’s remains will be transported to Ghana.
The remains of the former Black Stars player were accompanied by his family and Ghana’s Ambassador to Turkey on a Turkish airline flight which arrived at 7:40pm in Accra.
The former Black Stars player had been missing since February 6, 2023, when a 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria.
But on February 18, 2023, the 31-year-old was reported dead after being rescued from a rubble in Turkey.
According to the ministry in its statement, “the elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an Officer of the Embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered.”
The Ministry in a statement dated February 18, extended its condolence to the bereaved family and promised to update the public on further developments.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has led many individuals and institutions in paying tribute to the late Black Stars player.
According to him, “Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace” adding that “he will be sorely missed.”
On behalf of Ghanaians, the president also extended his sincere, heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and family of Christian Atsu.
FIFA, Chelsea, Atsu former club, Hatayspor, former players of the Black Stars including Mohammed Wakaso, Michael Essien, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have all eulogised the player.
A lady has landed herself in a big mess following an insensitive comment passed while she was reacting to the death of Atsu.
The Ghanaian lady on Facebook bearing the name Angela Edrah has mocked the late Ghanaian player for marrying a white woman instead of a Ghanaian.
According to the lady, she doesn’t understand why Christian Atsu after accumulating wealth decided to settle and make life with a white woman when he could have married a Ghanaian.
Angela further claimed in her cold post on Facebook that it is Atsu’s wife’s countrymen that have killed him, meaning that after the player acquired all the riches, the wife connive with some people to wipe the football star from the earth.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE POST MADE ON FACEBOOK
Below are how some Ghanaians have reacted to Angela’s distasteful comments which have landed her in deep trouble;
Boadi Kwame Nyansaboakwa Martinson – Hw3 ne wig s3 bossom pant….Atsu made the best decision marrying a white woman. The children are in safe economy. They’ll achieve their aims in life. No abusua agye me papa fie
Eli Mensah – Even if all the men in this country should get the opportunity, they will all go and marry a white woman because they are very supportive, independent and hard working unlike u Ghanaian women which all u know is to depend on men for money
Kwaku Agyei Bempah Bismark – Her diastemas like adomi bridge..We’ll deal with her properly when we’re done mourning. But for what’s worth, she didn’t qualify to be Atsu’s fourth wife…
Nana Appiah – We sincerely apologize to the general public for this very act of nuisance. The lady is one of our psychiatric patients who escaped last night. We urge the public to go about your various business as everything is under control. Thanks for your understanding…God bless you
Lawrencia Grant – It’s his choice and his death has nothing to do marrying a white woman. We are all in sorrow. Please this is not the time to say things like that.
Eddy Kete – Ghanaian men should be motivated to marry more white women, they are very supportive and independent. He made the best choice ever on earth. RIP to him today
Amos Obo Tettey – Is good Atsu marry white lady like after the funeral the woman and the children could have regret coming to this world hungry could have kill them good decision Atsu.
Christian Atsu’s body will arrive in Ghana on Sunday evening, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
Atsu was found dead after being trapped in rubble for nearly 12 days following the Turkey earthquake.
The ministry had earlier announced that plans were being made to transport the late Black Stars winger’s body to Ghana for burial.
The latest statement refutes reports that the body arrived at the airport on Saturday night but no official was present.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
“The remains will be accompanied by his family and Ghana’s Ambassador to Türkiye on a Turkish airlines flight and will arrive in Accra at 7:40 p.m. today Sunday, 19 February, 2023,” the statement said.
“The remains will be received at the Kotoka International Airport by the family, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and the Government upon its arrival from Istanbul, Türkiye.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, and we pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Christian Atsu.”
Atsu played for various European clubs, such as Chelsea, FC Porto, Newcastle United, Everton, and Bournemouth.
For Ghana, he made 65 appearances and scored nine goals.
Gospel musician and man of God on a crusade against pork, Sonnie Badu, has issued a stern warning to Ghanaian bloggers sharing a popular image of Christian Atsu’s corpse.
Badu bluntly said anyone who circulates the photo would one day face a similarly stunning demise!
He said people should be sensitive to the fact that Atsu has a family, a wife, kids and other relatives who might not want to see that circulating online.
According to Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, the CEO of the Crime Check Foundation, Christian Atsu‘s body was discovered in his apartment at Hatay.
Oppong Kwarteng claimed that information available to him indicates that the late Ghanaian winger was found in the debris of the apartment where he resided.
“The information we have was that his body was found in his apartment. It was found in the rubbles of that building,” he said.
His latest revelation is a departure from his earlier claim that CCTV cameras in the apartment captured Atsu leaving the building before the earthquake.
He detailed that videos captured Atsu running out of the building to seek refuge and that the earthquake happened 20 minutes after he left the apartment.
“I have been briefed by the club that he was not in the building. He run to the parking garage to get his car out and it was during that period that the Renaissance building totally collapsed and that happened 20 minutes after he left the apartment.”
“Our brother was not in the building, he went out before the building collapsed. But I can’t confirm whether he was able to leave the parking garage with his car or not,” he added in his update on Crime Check’s YouTube page sighted by GhanaWeb.
Meanwhile, Wisdom Twasam, a brother of Christian Atsu has detailed how information about his brother’s demise was communicated to him.
“We spoke around 12 and we spoke for one hour. I went to sleep and woke up in the morning to calls by another family member asking if I have seen the new information. I checked online and saw the information,” he said.
After twelve days of search and rescue efforts, Christian Atsu was confirmed dead with his body apparently being retrieved from the rubble of a building in Hatayar, Turkey.
The death of Christian Atsu was confirmed by his agent, Nana Sechere who has been in Turkey for over one week.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well-wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support.
“I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time,” he tweeted.
Shortly after, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to fly the remains of Christian Atsu to Ghana.
“The Embassy is currently making the necessary arrangements with the assistance of the Government of Türkiye to have the body transported to Ghana for burial. The public will be updated on further developments.”
The body of the footballer is expected to arrive in the country in the late hours of Sunday, February 19, 2023.
Christian Atsu made 60 appearances for Ghana, scoring 10 goals. He played for Chelsea, Newcastle, Bournemouth and FC Porto
Ghanaians and celebrities have been sharing various images and videos of Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu since he was found dead in Turkey after a devastating earthquake that killed thousands of people.
Videos of Atsu have been shared across social media, with netizens eulogizing the player.
These videos are sure to touch the hearts of those who watch them and to remind many of who the player was outside of football.
On February 6, 2023, a catastrophic earthquake struck southern and central Turkey and western Syria, resulting in widespread damage and tens of thousands of fatalities in the region.
On Saturday, February 18, 2023, Christian Atsu’s agent, Nana Sechere, confirmed on Twitter that Atsu had died.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well-wishers, that, sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning.
“My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support,” he said.
To honour Atsu’s memory, GhanaWeb has compiled a list of five personal and heartwarming videos of the footballer that he shared with colleagues such as Asamoah Gyan.
How does someone who was doing so much more than the government could ever do, be taken away by death so fast and so early?…. This is just too much to take 💔💔💔#RIPChristianAtsupic.twitter.com/DNBhqhC7zG
Christian Atsu's last game for Hatayspor and goal he scored in the final seconds will forever remain one of the greatest victories for Hatayspor. He left a hero.#RIPChristianAtsu💔 #ripatsupic.twitter.com/onxkX6EnrF
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced that Christian Atsu’s remains will be transported to Ghana today, Sunday, February 19, 2023.
In a statement, the ministry stated that the remains of the former Black Stars player will be accompanied by his family and Ghana’s Ambassador to Turkey on a Turkish airline flight expected to arrive at 7:40pm in Accra.
His remains will received at the Kotoka International Airport by the family, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), as well as the government upon arrival.
Christian Atsu was confirmed dead on Saturday after he was pulled out of a rubble caused by an earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.
He was found 12 days after the Turkish rescue mission began searching for surviors.
Currently, Ghana is in a state of mourning as tributes pour in across the world for the late Christian Atsu.
The former Newcastle player, who has died aged 31 in Turkey, was a true Christian in every sense of the word
Christian Atsu could not have had a more appropriate name. The former Ghana winger, whose body has been found beneath the rubble left by the recent earthquakes in Turkey, was a true Christian in every sense of the word.
Atsu’s extensive charity work and numerous good deeds touched countless lives, transforming many for the better along his journey from West Africa to Western Europe and, ultimately, the Middle East.
During an interview with the Guardian in 2019, it swiftly became clear that a man whose childhood had been shaped by a powerful Christian faith was on a mission to use his wealth and standing as a Premier League footballer to help others.
“My faith is the most important thing in my life,” said the then Newcastle player who was playing for Turkey’s Hatayspor at the time of his death, aged just 31. “I know I’m one of the lucky people God has blessed. I’m very lucky and privileged to be in the position. I had nothing and now I’ve got so much I have to give something back.”
Atsu was a modest character who took immense pride in the achievements of his German-born author wife, Marie-Claire Rupio, but he also knew that winning the player of the tournament award at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea had made him a household name from Cairo to Cape Town.
He duly channelled the fame that, for a time, promised to turn him into Africa’s Lionel Messi into serving as a key ambassador for the global charity Arms Around the Child. It provides homes, protection, education and support for children who have been orphaned, abused, affected by HIV/Aids, trafficked, sold or live in child-headed households.
“I donate often, so they can buy food and stuff,” said Atsu. “We’re building a school in Ghana. About 300 children will attend, I want everyone to have the chance of an education.” After experiencing the benefits of the excellent schooling funded by Feyenoord’s African academy in Accra, he knew precisely how much education matters. Yet Atsu’s life was also fuelled by love.
There was the love he experienced after meeting Rupio, the mother of his daughter and two sons, early in his career while playing for Porto, and the love he had first encountered as one of 10 siblings – including his twin sister Christiana, now a nurse – living on the junction of the Volta River and the Atlantic Ocean where his late father eked out a living fishing and farming.
Those enduring bonds sustained him through a stint as a member of Chelsea’s “have boots will travel” loan army. Despite never playing a single game for the London club Atsu was borrowed by Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, Bournemouth – where he played for the current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe – and Malaga, before eventually signing “permanently” for Rafael Benítez during the Spaniard’s St James’ Park tenure.
“Rafa’s like a father,” he said. “Everyone here finds Rafa warm. He encourages me almost every day. He’s so good at the human side of management which is so important.”
Atsu would spend five years as a Newcastle player and his wife – who wrote the well-received novel “Stop Bullying Me” – and children still live in a city they fell in love with. “I don’t regret going to Chelsea,” the winger reflected in 2019. “It was a privilege to be their player and, eventually, it led me to Newcastle.”
Benítez was a confirmed admirer of the left-footed skills that helped Atsu earn 65 Ghana caps and score nine international goals and, above all, the man himself. But the Spaniard’s departure from St James’ Park saw Atsu’s game time limited, eventually leading to an injury-blighted move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Raed in 2021.
A year later, Antakya-based Hatayspor came calling with Atsu scoring his first goal for the club on 5 February. A few days later, when just a few hours earlier he had been chatting happily to his family back home in Newcastle southern Turkey was devastated by the earthquake, his building turned to rubble.
Newcastle United players stand together in memory of Christian Atsu before Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool. Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA
Almost exactly exactly four years earlier Atsu had been, typically, busy with ensuring that several impoverished families in Ghana were reunited after paying thousands of pounds in fines to release prisoners accused of petty offences.
When pressed, he quietly explained he was particularly pleased to have, discreetly, secured the freedom of a 62-year-old grandmother and her daughter who had been jailed for stealing the equivalent of one British pound’s worth of corn to feed their family.
Atsu’s frequent presence in the congregation at Hillsong Church, a long goal kick away from St James’ Park, on Newcastle’s Westgate Road, was similarly unobtrusive. “I’m very happy at Hillsong and very happy in Newcastle,” he said.
“Football changed my life completely; it’s enabled me to help my community and help my family. Sometimes what’s happened to me seems like a miracle.” What is it they say about only the good dying young?
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Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, is being mourned by many after his untimely passing in the recent earthquake that struck southern and central Turkey and western Syria.
While he was well-known for his skill on the football pitch, an untold story has emerged of how Atsu helped fund the university education of a Nigerian comedian, Dr Craze.
According to a tweet from Dr Craze, Atsu reached out to him in 2015 after his father passed away and offered to pay for his university fees until he graduated, which he did.
The comedian also expressed his sadness at the news of Atsu’s passing and shared his gratitude for the footballer’s support and friendship.
“Christian has been supporting me from way back in 2015. When I lost my dad, he l reached out and offered to pay my fees till I graduated and he did you’ve been a great friend of mine Chris and I will surely miss you. I really can’t hold back the tears. Rest well brother,” he disclosed.
Atsu was widely regarded as a generous and kind-hearted individual, who was passionate about supporting those in need. In addition to his support for Dr Craze, Atsu was also known for his philanthropic works in Ghana, where he helped provide support for prisoners.
News of Atsu’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian community, with many taking to social media to share their condolences and memories of the footballer.
Despite his tragic passing, Atsu’s legacy of kindness and generosity inspires others, and his memory is cherished by all who knew him.
Christian Atsu was scheduled to travel to see his family before the tragic earthquakes in Turkey, according to Fatih Ilek, the administrative manager of Hatayspor.
Following his effort that helped Hatayspor defeat Kasimpasa in the Turkish top flight, Atsu, who had planned to leave Turkey to visit his family, canceled his travel.
After going days without being located following the earthquake on February 6, the 31-year-death old’s was officially declared on February 18 after his remains were discovered.
Atsu had intended to leave Turkey, but he changed his mind after scoring the winning goal in his final match for the team, according to Ilek.
“Christian Atsu told the coach that he wanted to take more time before our match with Gaziantep FK. ‘Can I leave if I find a team?’ he said. Volkan Demirel also accepted this request,” he told Radyospor.
“He didn’t play against Gaziantep FK, but scored a last-minute goal in the Kasımpasa match. Actually, he was going abroad to visit his family. But when he played well and scored, he cancelled his ticket. The earthquake happened on his happiest day. He had a flight at 11 pm. Cancelled the ticket. There was an earthquake at 4 am. Absolutely a tragedy.”
Since the confirmation of his death, tributes have been pouring in for the former Black Stars international from his former teammates, clubs as well as some of the football associations.
But now, Wakaso is left with just memories that he shared with Christian Atsu. His brother is no more.
Atsu was confirmed dead on Saturday, after being pulled of a debris he was stuck under for 12 days since the devastating earthquake struck Turkey and Ukraine.
It is far-more devastating for Wakaso since he first embraced reports that Atsu had been found.
But with no iota of doubt about his death, Wakaso now has to embrace the painful truth.
Paying tribute to his brother, Wakaso wrote “Rest Well,” while indicating his pained heart with a shattered love emoji. It is believed that he sobbed while saying his goodbye.
Search teams have uncovered the body of Ghana international soccer player Christian Atsu, his agent revealed on Saturday. Atsu had been missing following the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.
The remains of the soccer star, who had been playing for Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor, were found amid the ruins of a luxury 12-story building where he had been living in the hard-hit city of Antakya, Hatay province. His relatives had gathered at the site waiting by the wreckage but all to dashed hopes when his remains were found.
“Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble. At the moment, his belongings are still being removed,” his agent Murat Uzunmehmet, told private news agency DHA.
The death toll from the 7.8 magnitude quake on 6th February in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria passed 43,000 on Friday and was certain to increase as search teams found more bodies.
Atsu, 31-years-old, who previously played for English Premier Leagueclubs Chelsea, Newcastle United, Everton and Bournemouth, signed for Hatayspor from Saudi Arabian side Al Raed FC last year.
Reports a day after the quake struck had said that Atsu was pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed building and taken to a hospital for treatment.
Hatayspor, however, announced days later that Atsu and the club’s sporting director Taner Savut were still missing. Atsu joined Hatayspor in September 2022 after a season with Saudi Arabian team Al-Raed and scored the winning goal in a Super Lig match on 5 February.
He won 65 caps for Ghana and helped his country reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final where they lost to Ivory Coast on penalties.
President Akufo-Addo has paid tribute to the late Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, who was reported dead today after being rescued from the rubble in Turkey.
Prior to his demise, there were reports that the player could still be alive under the debris following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.
Responding to such news, President Akufo-Addo prayed for Christian Atsu, to be found “safe and sound.”
Unfortunately, the 31-year-old kicked the bucket and has left Ghanaians in a state of mourning.
Reacting to his demise, the president comforted himself and Ghanaians by recalling Job 1: 21, which he said states: “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away.”
On behalf of Ghanaians, he extended his sincere, heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and family of Christian Atsu.
According to him, “Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace” adding that “he will be sorely missed.”
President Akufo-Addo concluded by stating that “May his soul rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen!”
Many Ghanaians are in a state of mourning after the death of footballer Christian Atsuwas confirmed death following a deadly earthquake that struck southern and central Turkey as well as western Syria, on February 6.
The incident trapped many people under the rubble, including Atsu.
Atsu was a sports personality who had a strong presence on social media at the time of his demise – specifically on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
After the news took over the internet by storm, with his name trending number one on Twitter, videos of his final goal that led his team, Hatayspor, to be victorious in their match against, Kasimpasa have surfaced online.
ttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/RQ_-ePNzHuc
The game took place at the Hatay Stadyumu stadium, Hatay city, Turkey at 13:00 UTC, which was 1pm GMT on Sunday, February 5, 2023.
The earthquake occurred at 4:17am (01:17am GMT) on Monday, February 6, 2023, with its epicenter in Kahramanmaras in Gaziantep province.
After being subbed in the 82nd minute of the game, Christian Atsu led his team to victory with a last-minute goal which led to 1-0 win against Kasimpasa.
Video of Christian Atsu’s teammates and official of Hatayspor throwing him in the air after a victorious game.
Just see what 🇬🇭Christian Atsu's goal last night meant to his team.
After news of the passing of former Black Stars player Christian Atsu hit the internet, Ghanaians have taken to social media to remember the football star.
Below are many reactions from Ghanaians and football fans around the world
Chief Football Writer at Times Sport, Henry Winter expressed his deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates both at Hatayspor and the Black Stars
Ghanaian Sports journalist Michael Oti Adjei remembered the former footballer with a picture from an interview he conducted.
He hinted that he would not forget the incredible talent he manifested at the African Cup of Nations in 2015, where he won the Player of the tournament.
Multiple Award-Winning Sports Journalist Usher Komugisha also broke the news on her verified Twitter page.
She also expressed her deepest condolences to the Atsu family as well as his friends and Ghanaians.
Popular Ghanaian Sports journalist Owuraku Ampofo paid tribute to the football icon bu listing his achievements.
▪️Was Voted Best Player at the 2015 AFCON
▪️Won the Nissan Goal of the tournament at the 2015 AFCON
▪️Represented Ghana at the 2015,2017 and 2019 AFCON and 2014 World Cup
He made a big impact both on and off the pitch. AFCON 2015 Player of the Tournament AFCON 2015 Best Goal AFCON 2015 Team of the Tournament AFCON 2017 Team of the Tournament CAF Best Player shortlist 2015, 2016
Some of the achievement Atsu received were the Vitesse Player of the Year, Primera Liga winner, AFCON player of the Tournament and many other accolades under his belt.
Below are more reactions from Ghanaians about the passing of Christian Atsu.
Also, Ghanaian Sports journalist Joel Bortey also broke the news on his verified Twitter page as he remembered Christian Atsu’s final goal at his former club.
On February 6, 2023, a deadly earthquake struck southern and central Turkey as well as western Syria, trapping many people, including Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu.
In a newly released report, the footballer’s agent, Nana Sechere, confirmed that the player has passed on in a tweet.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well-wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning
“My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support,” he said.
After the news broke, some Ghanaian celebrities took to social media to express their condolences and shock.
One of the first to tweet about the news was media personality Bridget Otoo who said, “Not the news you want to wake up to. May God comfort his family. No words can replace or measure their pain at this time.”
Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah for his part, also tweeted, “Sad sad sad development.”
Musician Guru also tweeted his initial reaction choosing to use an exclamation. “Hmmm.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has revealed that its Embassy in Turkey is working to have the remains of Christian Atsu transported to Ghana.
Christian Atsu, a former player of the senior national team, Black Stars was confirmed dead today.
He was found lifeless after being pulled out of the rubble 12 days after an earthquake struck Turkey and Syria.
According to the ministry in its statement, “the elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an Officer of the Embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered.”
The government has extended its condolence to the bereaved family and fans of the player.
The sad news has taken many aback since they hoped and prayed for Atsu’s safety.
Unfortunately, the former Black Stars player is no more to net more goals for Hatayspor.
He was confirmed dead on Saturday morning after the Turkish rescue team managed to pull him out from the debris he was under after the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.
Millions across the world are currently in a state of mourning following his passing.
Reports say former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu could not survive the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.
The former Chelsea player had been missing for close to two weeks after the incident. On February 7, there were reports that the 31-year-old had been found.
But barely 48 hours later, contradictory reports emerged. Since then, authorities have been searching for him.
Unfortunately, emerging reports look gloomy for Ghanaians and fans of the Hatayspor player.
Murat Uzunmehment, Chrisitan Atsu’s Turkish agent is said to have said: “We found Atsu. He lost his life. Sorry for your loss.”
Also, the player’s manager, Nana Sechere, on the matter, has said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well-wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning.”
Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, the executive director of the Crime Check Foundation, has stated that he has been informed that Christian Atsuleft his flat before the earthquake occurred.
Christian Atsu and his Hataysporclub technical director, Taner Savut, have both been missing since Monday, February 6, 2023, following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria.
His agent, Nana Sechere went to the site with a rescue team in search of his player but revealed that only a pair of his shoes were found at the apartment and that there was no sign of Christian Atsu.
Providing his own update, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng who has been working with Christian Atsu over the years, stated that he has been told the player left the apartment minutes before the earthquake hit his building.
“I have been briefed by the club that he was not in the building. He run to the parking garage to get his car out and it was during that period that the Renaissance building totally collapsed and that happened 20 minutes after he left the apartment.”
“Our brother was not in the building, he went out before the building collapsed. But I can’t confirm whether he will able to leave the parking garage with his car or not,” he added in his update on Crime Check’s YouTube page sighted by GhanaWeb.
Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, the executive director of the Crime Check Foundation, has stated that he has been informed that Christian Atsu left his flat before the earthquake struck.
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, left Christian Atsu and Taner Savut, the technical director of his Hatayspor team, both missing.
Only a pair of Christian Atsu‘s shoes were discovered at the residence, according to his agent Nana Sechere, who accompanied a rescue team to the scene in search of his player. Christian Atsu was nowhere to be seen.
Providing his own update, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng who has been working with Christian Atsu over the years, stated that he has been told the player left the apartment minutes before the earthquake hit his building.
“I have been briefed by the club that he was not in the building. He run to the parking garage to get his car out and it was during that period that the Renaissance building totally collapsed and that happened 20 minutes after he left the apartment.”
“Our brother was not in the building, he went out before the building collapsed. But I can’t confirm whether he will able to leave the parking garage with his car or not,” he added in his update on Crime Check’s YouTube page sighted by GhanaWeb.
Actor and TV show host Akwasi Boadi, popularly known as Akrobeto, has disclosed that ‘missing’ footballer Christian Atsu once gifted him €800.
Speaking on his show, The Real News on UTV, he stated that at the time, he had never met the footballer.
Akrobeto said Atsu gave him the money through actor Kwaku Manu as appreciation for the work he does on his show.
He stated that the footballer valued what he did on The Real News, stating that he had been told it was a source of entertainment for him while he played abroad.
Akrobeto said that he was taken aback by the kindness Atsu showed him in spite of not having a personal relationship with the footballer.
Akrobeto stated that following the news of the earthquake in Turkey where Atsu plies his talent, he cannot help but imagine what Atsu went through during the incident.
He called on Ghanaians to constantly pray for the footballer while efforts are ongoing to find him.
Background
A powerful earthquake struck south-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, killing and trapping many others in the early hours of Monday, February 6.
The US Geological Survey said the 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km (11 miles) near the city of Gaziantep.
Hours later, a second quake, which had a magnitude of 7.5, hit the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaras province.
A New York Times report indicates that the death toll has risen to more than 40,000 in both Turkey and Syria even as rescue teams searched for any remaining survivors in the rubble.
There were a few glimmers of hope on Tuesday after crews in Turkey defied the odds by digging nine survivors out of the rubble.
Meanwhile, as search teams continue to rescue trapped survivors, Christian Atsu is yet to be found.
On Tuesday, Christian Atsu’s agent, Nana Sechere, cried out for more support in the search for the player after finding his personal belongings at his home.
This was after the agent made a trip to Hatay and the residence of Atsu, where the player’s shoes have been found.
Sechere, following the latest developments, has called for more resources to aid in the search for the former Chelsea and Newcastle United winger.
“It has been 9 days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian. 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,” he wrote in a social media post.
Christian Atsu has not been located for more than a week, despite ongoing searches for the Ghanaian who is trapped in his demolished residence following the earthquake in Turkey on February 6, 2023.
Despite it being a difficult moment for Atsu’s family, they have been open about dispelling rumours and providing updates on the player’s rescue operation.
Atsu was first said to have been located, but the claim turned out to be untrue, leading his agent Nana Sechere to visit the scene and investigate the situation.
Also, his twin sister Christiana Atsupie Twasam and wife Marie-Claire Rupio have also engaged in interviews respectively pleading with Ghana and the UK governments to step in and help rescue their beloved.
Agent
Nana Sechere, the agent of Atsu provided an update on the search team’s effort so far via a press release on February 14, 2023.
“It has been 9 days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian. 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 to 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.
The agent indicated lack of equipment has slowed the rescue team’s work in locating and possibly saving the lives of people trapped in the rubble.
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,” the post read. Christiana Atsupie Twasam
Christiana Atsupie Twasam, the twin sister of the player pleaded with the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to aid in the search for her brother.
“He (Pres. Akufo-Addo) should come in the search of my twin brother because now where I am I don’t know whether he’s found or not because he can’t be found in any hospital now,” she is quoted to have said by Onuafmonline.
Atsupie Twasam also urged people to be measured in their utterances since the disappearance of Christian Atsu is a very sensitive case to the family.
“I believe you have to have correct information about the person. If you haven’t seen it with your eyes you don’t have to confirm. I believe if they rescue someone, they give him to the next available ambulance to send to any hospital but if you haven’t had official confirmation, you don’t have to confirm. Because this is a delicate issue,” she noted.
Marie-Claire Rupio A worried Marie-Claire Rupio, the wife of Christian Atsu in an interview with the BBC confirmed that her husband has not been found yet, adding that the rescue team lacks the necessary equipment for the operation.
“He is still trapped under the rubble but the problem is they don’t have the necessary equipment needed to get them out. So he is still missing and they don’t know where he is,” she told BBC in an interview.
She, therefore, made an appeal to the governments of Turkey and the United Kingdom to deploy more personnel and equipment to help rescue her husband.
“I will appeal for the Hatayaspor club and the Turkish authorities and the British government to send the equipment to get the people out who are still trapped in the rubble. Especially for my husband and the father of my children as well because they need the equipment to get them out. They can’t get that deep without the equipment and time is running out,” she stated. Uncle and Auntie
In interviews with Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV, the extended family members of Atsu also offered their views on the issue.
At the time they spoke, the narrative was that Atsu had been rescued and on admission at a hospital in Turkey, undergoing treatment.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate hopeful Mr Kojo Bonsu is sympathizing with Christian Atsu and his families following the recent infamous Turkey earthquake that has claimed thousands of lives.
Consequently, the former National Sports Authority (NSA) boss and the former Mayor of Kumasi has as a matter of urgency called on Ghanaians to intensify prayers for the missing former Newcastle United player.
The Ghana winger, who plies his trade with Hatayaspor has gone missing after the earthquake rubble in Turkey, and he is yet to be found by the rescue team.
In a release signed by his communication team, Mr Bonsu said “Whatever happens in any part of the world has a bearing across the world.
“That reality has hit home, especially following the major earthquake of last Monday, in parts of Turkey.
“That natural disaster has claimed many lives, and kept the rest of the world, on edge, given the mounting challenges faced by the rescue teams.”
The release added “Ghanaians have not been exempt from the anxiety of humanity, following the calamity.
“However, our particular interest rests in the timely rescue of our national, Christian Atsu, an ex-international, reported missing, since the huge earthquake hit Turkey.
“Although he has not yet been found, we have no recourse than to keep our hopes, alive, knowing, nothing is ever over until it is.
“So, to all Ghanaians, home and abroad, especially Atsu’s partner, children, parents, other family members, friends and teammates, I say, hang in, there.”
To him, Ghanaians should not rule out the possibility that he can be found, alive. It is never over till it is over saying.
Prayers are still being said for Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu, who is still missing and is believed to be buried in the rubble of a collapsed building in Turkey as a result of an earthquake there.
Eight days after the calamity hit, Ghanaians are still clinging to the slimmest of hopes that Christian Atsu is still alive and would be saved as soon as possible.
One aspect of Christian Atsu that has stood out is his generosity and humanitarian deeds.
Despite reaching the career highs of being a Chelsea player and winning the Most Valuable Player award in an AFCON tournament, the most dominant and fondest memories of Christian Atsu by most Ghanaians is the number of times he has reached out to the needy and came to the help of persons in unfortunate situations.
The latest person to celebrate this highly commendable aspect of Christian Atsu which has become the point of contact in prayers for him is celebrated actor and newscaster, Akrobeto.
In an episode of his ‘Real News’ show, Akrobeto joined thousands of Ghanaians fervently praying for Christian Atsu and revealed an instance where he became a beneficiary of Christian Atsu’s kind-heartedness.
Akrobeto disclosed that Christian Atsu once gifted him 800 euros through colleague actor, Kwaku Manu.
“I have seen Atsu on TV but never met him personally but he sent money to Kwaku Manu to give to me. He said he enjoyed the Real News as it became a source of entertainment for him while in Europe. Kwaku Manu told him I’m his uncle and he asked him to give me the money to show appreciation for the work I do. Someone close to him also called to check if I had received the money. I expressed my gratitude to him.
“I don’t know him but I was shocked by how showed love to me. Quite recently he helped to free some prisoners. We call all die at anytime so work on your soul. It cannot be confirmed that he is alive or dead but imagine what he is going through. It is very painful. Let’s all pray for him and stop the unnecessary speculations,” he said
Atsu, who plays for Turkish side Hatayspor was trapped under the rubble after the February 6 earthquake that struck the southern part of the country and parts of Syria.
It has so far claimed the lives of over 35,000 across the two countries with the death toll continuing to mount. Many more thousands have also been injured whiles rescue efforts continue in earnest to find more survivors who may be under the rubble.
Atsu’s case has attracted a lot of interest in Ghana and across the world with his British wife calling on the Turkish and British authorities to expedite action in rescuing the former Chelsea, Newcastle player in an interview with the BBC last week.
Despite reaching the career highs of being a Chelsea player and winning the Most Valuable Player award in an AFCON tournament, the most dominant and fondest memories of Christian Atsu by most Ghanaians is the number of times he has reached out to the needy and came to the help of persons in unfortunate situations.
The latest person to celebrate this highly commendable aspect of Christian Atsu which has become the point of contact in prayers for him is celebrated actor and newscaster, Akrobeto.
In an episode of his ‘Real News’ show, Akrobeto joined thousands of Ghanaians fervently praying for Christian Atsu and revealed an instance where he became a beneficiary of Christian Atsu’s kind-heartedness.
Akrobeto disclosed that Christian Atsu once gifted him 800 euros through colleague actor, Kwaku Manu.
“I have seen Atsu on TV but never met him personally but he sent money to Kwaku Manu to give to me. He said he enjoyed the Real News as it became a source of entertainment for him while in Europe. Kwaku Manu told him I’m his uncle and he asked him to give me the money to show appreciation for the work I do. Someone close to him also called to check if I had received the money. I expressed my gratitude to him.
“I don’t know him but I was shocked by how showed love to me. Quite recently he helped to free some prisoners. We call all die at anytime so work on your soul. It cannot be confirmed that he is alive or dead but imagine what he is going through. It is very painful. Let’s all pray for him and stop the unnecessary speculations,” he said
Atsu, who plays for Turkish side Hatayspor was trapped under the rubble after the February 6 earthquake that struck the southern part of the country and parts of Syria.
It has so far claimed the lives of over 35,000 across the two countries with the death toll continuing to mount. Many more thousands have also been injured whiles rescue efforts continue in earnest to find more survivors who may be under the rubble.
Atsu’s case has attracted a lot of interest in Ghana and across the world with his British wife calling on the Turkish and British authorities to expedite action in rescuing the former Chelsea, Newcastle player in an interview with the BBC last week.
The search for Ghanaian player Christian Atsu still continues as thermal cameras show proof of life.
Work machines at the site of the apartment block that housed the former Black Stars player Christian Atsu, have halted work whiles miners have taken over in rescue efforts, journalists close to the operation have reported.
The first to provide an update as of February 13, 2023 was one Salim Manav who posted the information on Twitter citing a relative to Atsu’s team manager, Taner Savut who is also believed to be under the rubble.
“Message from Timuçin Aşçıgil (Taner Savut Hodja’s brother-in-law): The Renaissance site was looked at with a thermal camera, 3 different sounds were heard and the miners entered. Let’s support urgently!” his tweet read in part.
The said in-law, Timuçin Aşçıgil, posted videos of a caterpillar at the site of the Renaissance residence in Hatay, along with a number of workers undertaking rescue efforts.
His tweet caption affirmed that the building complex had been subjected to checks by a thermal camera and that it had shown evidence that people were alive under the rubble.
Atsu, who plays for Turkish side Hatayspor was trapped under the rubble after the February 6 earthquake that struck the southern part of the country and parts of Syria.
It has so far claimed the lives of over 35,000 across the two countries with the death toll continuing to mount. Many more thousands have also been injured whiles rescue efforts continue in earnest to find more survivors who may be under the rubble.
Atsu’s case has attracted a lot of interest in Ghana and across the world with his British wife calling on the Turkish and British authorities to expedite action in rescuing the former Chelsea, Newcastle player in an interview with the BBC last week.
Akrobeto has recounted how Christian Atsu gifted him money despite not meeting him before.
Akwasi Boadi popularly known as Akrobeto has recounted how footballer Christian Atsu gifted him money despite not meeting him before.
Updating the public on the current state Christian Atsu on the Real News on UTV, he talked about how Atsu has been kind to him in the past despite not being friends with him.
Akrobeto said he’s never met Christian Atsu before except watching him on television but the footballer thought good of him and gifted him money.
According to Akrobeto, Kwaku Manu went to visit Christian Atsu in Europe and he gave him €800 to be given to him just to appreciate his talent.
The footballer said to Kwaku Manu that he watches the Real News as he finds Akrobeto entertaining so he should give him €800.
This isn’t the only benevolent act of Christian Atsu as he’s helped freed hundreds of prisoners, paid fine for the poor and rented rooms for many throug the Crime Check Foundation.
Marie-Claire Rupio, the wife of Ghanaian player, Christian Atsu has called on the governments of Turkey and the United Kingdom to deploy more personnel and equipment to help rescue her husband and other people trapped in the rubble of buildings following an earthquake in Turkey.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Marie-Claire Rupio urged authorities in Turkey and the UK to put in more effort in rescuing people who are still under the rubble at the Renaissance Residence.
According to her, time is running out and failure on the part of authorities to send in more resources could lead to more casualties.
“I will appeal for the Hatayaspor club and the Turkish authorities and the British government to send the equipment to get the people out who are still trapped in the rubble. Especially for my husband and the father of my children as well because they need the equipment to get them out. They can’t get that deep without the equipment and time is running out,” she stated.
Christian Atsu and some members of his club Hatayaspor got trapped in the earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6, 2023.
Although some of the victims of the earthquake have been found and rescued, Atsu is yet to be found contrary to earlier reports that the former Newcastle player had been rescued and taken to hospital.
As of Monday 2023, CNN reports that 34,000 people have died in the wreckage in both Turkey and Syria.
Authorities have found Christian Atsu‘s apartment following the deadly earthquake that struck 10 Turkish districts, including Hatay. Atsu plays football for Hatayspor.
The Renaissance Residence, where Christian and the team’s sporting director Taner Savut lived, was among the buildings that were destroyed by the quake.
As the search and rescue efforts continue, Christian’s brother Isaac Twasam, their manager Murat Uzunmehmet, and Nana Sechre are waiting for news at the site of the collapsed building.
The authorities have confirmed that Christian was on the ninth floor when the earthquake struck, and the building was destroyed.
Miners are working tirelessly to reach the ninth floor, where Christian is believed to be trapped, from the eighth floor block.
The search and rescue teams are facing a challenging task, but their determination and bravery give hope to those who are waiting for news.
The rescue teams are working non-stop to bring those who may be trapped to safety. The discovery of Christian’s apartment has renewed hope for a positive outcome, and everyone is praying for the best.
Turkish authorities have arrested the contractor for the Rönesans Residence, which was destroyed in the earthquake that struck southeast Turkey on February 6, 2023,according to reports.
Mehmet Yaşar Coşkun was detained at the Istanbul airport while attempting to leave the country.
The 12-story Rönesans Residence, which has 250 apartments and was completed in 2013 in Hatay’s Antakya district, collapsed following the earthquake trapping about a thousand residents including Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu.
Some 170 Turkish lawyers filed a joint criminal complaint against the contractors of the building demanding an investigation into its collapse.
The contractor was subsequently detained at the airport on Friday, February 10, 2023, on the orders public prosecutors.
Reports say Yaşar Coşkun at the time of his arrest was leaving the country with his destination being Montenegro.
He was said to be carrying an unspecified cash amount at the time of his arrest.
He was taken to the police station later, where he was interrogated.
Afterwards, he was referred to a court which ordered that he be remanded pending trial.
Christian Atsu trapped under earthquake rubble
On Monday, February 6, 2023, Christian Atsu was reported to have been trapped under earthquake rubble alongside his club Hatayspor’s technical director, Taner Savut, following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit south-central Turkey and Syria.
A day later, another story broke that the former Chelsea winger had been pulled out of the debris, but Taner Savut was still missing.
However, the report about Atsu’s discovery was later retold after Hatayspor Board Member Mustafa Ozat stated that the information was false and admitted to contributing to misinformation.
The conflicting reports about the player’s whereabouts became a major source of concern, prompting his agent, Nana Sechere, to go to the grounds and investigate for himself.
Turkish journalist Yaz Sabuncuolu claims Nana Sechere and his entourage have touched down in Turkey and have been to the place Atsu was staying before the earthquake alongside some friends of Taner Savut.
Meanwhile, GhanaWeb has sighted video footage of the moment security officials accosted Mehmet Yaşar Coşkun at the Istanbul airport.
Marie-Claire Rupio, the wife of Christian Atsu has shared the last time she heard from her husband who has been missing since a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey.
According to her, Atsu who scored his first goal for Turkish-based Hatayspor on Sunday, February 5, 2023, called home the day before the match and had a conversation with their children.
“He spoke to the children last time on Saturday morning, that was the last time that I heard from him,” she told the BBC in her first public interview since the disappearance of her husband.
The wife of the footballer disclosed that she found out about her husband being trapped under earthquake rubble through the news.
“I had a lot of missed calls on my phone from his sister and she just told me, and then I read the news,” she said.
With earlier reports of her husband being rescued from the rubble turning out to be false, Marie-Claire Rupio is hopeful that he will be found alive.
She has therefore appealed to Christian Atsu’s club, the Turkish and British governments to step up efforts in rescuing those trapped under the rubble.
“All I can say is that for me I know the rescuers are trying their best working day and night to rescue everybody. I just feel for everybody who is like me and my children being in the unknown not knowing whether their family (relative) is alive or not. I will just appeal to the Hatayspor Club and the Turkish authorities and the British government to send the equipment to get the people that are still trapped under the rubble out, especially my partner and the father of my children,” she said.
Background
A powerful earthquake struck south-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, killing more than 22,000 people (as at February 10) as they slept and trapping many others in the early hours of Monday.
The US Geological Survey said the 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km (11 miles) near the city of Gaziantep.
Hours later, a second quake, which had a magnitude of 7.5, hit the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaras province.
In September 2022, the 31-year-old Black Stars winger penned a one-year deal to join the Turkish side following a spell in Saudi Arabia.
It is reported that over 22,000 lives have been claimed by the earthquake in both Syria and Turkey.
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/tDdQFQE4UQpic.twitter.com/Gz5hf76MCc
Christian Atsu’s wife, Marie-Claire Rupio, has come out for the first time about her husband’s disappearance in the wake of the deadly earthquake that struck Turkey.
According to Marie-Claire Rupio in an interview with the BBC, the news that the former Black Stars player was trapped in a collapsed building after the earthquake shattered the family.
“He is still trapped under the rubble but the problem is they don’t have the necessary equipment needed to get them out. So he is still missing and they don’t know where he is,” she told BBC in an interview.
However, she noted that “I still pray and believe he’s alive.”
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/tDdQFQE4UQpic.twitter.com/Gz5hf76MCc
She referred to the conflicting information regarding the circumstance as confused and pleaded with the governments of the UK and Turkey to do all necessary steps to save him.
Team doctor for Hatayaspor, Gurbey Kahvegi, has refuted claims that Ghanaian international, Christian Atsu has been found following the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
On Tuesday, turkish sports journalist Yeewz Za-bun jor-lo announced the former Black Stars player had been found and rescued from a rubble he was trapped in on Monday.
But recently Gurbey Kahvegi revealed that the club cannot confirm if Christian Atsu was rescued.
He revealed that “When the team heard the news that the player was taken to Dortyol Hospital, they followed up but unfortunately Christian Atsu was not there.
At the moment, they had to accept that Tana Sourt and Christian Atsu were not found.
Newcastle United coach, Eddie Howe says he is hoping Christian Atsu will be rescued soon.
The Ghana international’s whereabouts is yet to be known after he was trapped in rubble since Monday.
Reports emerged that he has been found on Tuesday but the reportage was wrong.
However, Howe says he hopes the former Newcastle United winger is found soon.
“We hope for some good news, we hope he’s OK, but we’re really concerned for him and his welfare this week. It’s been difficult because there have been conflicting stories coming out about his whereabouts, so it’s been very tough. I can’t imagine how his family are feeling,” Howe said in an interview ahead of Newcastle’s league game against AFC Bournemouth
“But from the bottom of our hearts, we wish him well and hope there’s a positive ending” he added.
The 31-year-old scored a 97th-minute winner for Hatayspor in a 1-0 win Turkish Super League win over Kasimpasa this past weekend.
Atsu was on the books of Newcastle for five seasons including a one-year loan spell before joining Saudi Arabia side Al-Raed.
Ghana midfielder Priscilla Okyere is terrified of going to sleep, afraid that another earthquake might happen when she is in bed. The 27-year-old plays for Hatayspor in southern Turkey and is a survivor of the devastating quake that struck there on Monday.
The earthquake is already considered the worst worldwide in a decade. So far it is known to have killed over 20,000 people in Turkey and Syria – a toll that will certainly rise.
Hatayspor is the club whose men’s team Okyere’s compatriot Christian Atsu plays for. Atsu, along with the club’s sporting director Taner Savut, remains missing.
“I have not been sleeping for four days – I’m so scared to go to sleep,” Okyere told BBC Sport Africa.
“Even today, we had a safe place to sleep. I haven’t closed my eyes from 5am til now.
“When someone bangs the door, I wake up because I’m scared. I don’t want to close my eyes and realise this thing is happening again.”
Crying for days
Priscilla Okyere has been playing international football for Ghana for over a decade
Okyere is now in Ankara, Turkey’s capital after her coach arranged for her and her seven roommates to leave Hatay after the earthquake.
But the ordeal left her scarred.
“I was terrified. I cried for days,” she explained.
“I can’t imagine how lucky we were to get out of that situation because most people couldn’t get out. But we were able to.”
Okyere joined Hatayspor six months ago from the Israeli club Tel-Aviv Beersheva.
Like most people who live in southern Turkey, the club’s players had felt tremors before. So when the earthquake struck in the early hours of Monday, she believed it was normal.
“We were coming from a game in Istanbul and we weren’t home until around 2am,” she said.
“We had to shower and then get some sleep. At first, I thought I was dreaming because since we came to Hatay, I experienced (tremors) it two times. Sometimes the building would just shake within 30 seconds and it stops.
“When it happened, I thought it was a normal thing but I realised this was much more intense than the previous ones.”
Priscilla Okyere has been at Hatayspor for six months
She went to check on her teammates and then hurried outside as all around her began to crumble.
“When I got down, the buildings were just collapsing, and everybody was crying, trying to find shelter,” she said.
“It was raining heavily outside, and everyone was cold. We were not wearing any jackets – nothing. We had gone outside barefoot.
“We weren’t even thinking about how cold we were at that moment. What we wanted to think about was how to get our passports.
“We had to find a shelter in someone’s car for almost five hours before the whole thing calmed down, and then we were able to go back to the house.”
Though badly damaged, the building Okyere and her teammates lived in had not collapsed. But they had to leave the area, and with all public transport suspended, they wandered the streets looking for food.
They were immediately concerned that there was no way to get in contact with their families back home, even as news began to filter out to the wider world of the quake.
“The first thing that came into my mind was my mother because she’s always worried about where I am and always want to know what is going on,” Okyere said.
“But we couldn’t communicate directly with our family because all the networks were not working.
“But you could call within Turkey, So I spoke to my agent, and I gave him my mother’s number so he could to talk with her and make sure that everything is okay.”
Taking a break
Okyere’s compatriot Christian Atsu plays for Hatayspor’s men’s team and remains missing
Eventually, Okyere and her teammates were able to leave Hatay.
While she and her teammates are safe, she said concern remains for other members of the wider Hatayspor club, including the men’s team and officials.
“We don’t know anything about the men’s team because they live far from us, even though we live in the same city,” she explained.
“But our brother (Christian) Atsu, we always talk to him on phone. He texts us all the time.
“Since the incident happened, nobody knows his whereabouts. We don’t even know what is happening.”
Okyere said she is trying to remain positive in the face of all the devastation, and her biggest wish right now is to go home to Ghana to spend some time with her family.
“For Hatayspor our season is over because the city is destroyed,” she said.
“For management, we don’t know anything about their whereabouts. So for us, we know that for the men and the women, the season is over.
“We will try to look for another club because I think that most clubs are also interested in some players from Hatayspor. I think hopefully maybe we will get something.
“For me, the only thing that is in my mind right now is I just want to go back to Ghana. At least have one week or two weeks rest with the family.”
The former Chelsea and Newcastle forward went missing after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria in the early hours of Monday morning, leaving a chunk of people perished.
Atsu and the Sporting Director of Hatayaspor, Taner Savut, were the remaining members of the team that were missing since the disaster.
Atsu is yet to be found contrary to earlier reports that the player has been rescued from the wreckage following the earthquake.
“I’m very sad, very down. There are no words to describe how we (Ghanaians) all feel about this situation. Personally, it’s been difficult in the last few days because he is someone I’m close to.”
“As players, we have been trying to speak to each other, trying to get hold of the family to know what’s happening because we are very sad about the situation and praying that he will be good and okay. The whole of Ghana is also praying for his safe return,” Andr Dede Ayew said in an interview with Sky Sports.
Having parted ways with Al Raed in Saudi Arabia, Atsu joined Hatayspor in September and scored his first goal on Sunday. It was a 97th minute free kick that secured three points for Hatayspor against Kasimpasa S.K.
In the Turkish city of Hatay,Christian Atsu and an official of his club, Hatayspor, are still thought to be trapped inside the wreckage of the apartment building where they once resided.
According to reports in Turkish media, thermal cameras used at the Hatay Renaissance facility have verified that many people who were buried alive by the rubble after the earthquake on February 6 are still alive.
The facility, which has about 250 apartments, was occupied at the time of the incident, according to the media outlet Ajansspor.
“There are many living people, confirmed by thermal cameras. The building, where national handball player Cemal Kütahya and his family, Hatayspor manager Taner Savut, and football player Christian Atsu are located, is very crowded with a capacity of 1000 people,” Ajansspor tweeted with a video of experts at the site.
Christian Atsu and Hatayspor’s Sporting Director, Taner Savut are among the occupants of the facility believed to still be under the rubble.
Reports emerged that Atsu had been rescued alive and sent to the hospital after 26 hours (February 7) but that account was later dismissed as a case of mistaken identity.
The death toll continues to mount even as technical, logistical, and relief support from across the world pours in to help the country cope with the magnitude of death and destruction.
