Global football fraternity pays tribute to Christian Atsu after tragic death

By Herbert Boakye YIADOM, Accra

The Global football community has paid tribute to Ghana midfielder Christian Atsu Twasam who lost his life in the Turkey earthquake.

Atsu is among over 45,000 people reported to have lost their lives in the devastating earthquake which happened two weeks ago.

The 31-year-old went missing after the incident and his body was later pulled out of the rubble after 12 days of search by the rescue team.

On Saturday his agent, Nana Secheree announced the sudden death of the generous footballer to the world which has gained massive attention with political leaders, institutions, players, love ones among others paying their last respect to the former Black Stars midfielder.

“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.”

According to an official of Hatayaspor, Atsu was supposed to leave Hatay on the eve of the earthquake to the UK after deciding to part ways the club and continue his career elsewhere.

However after scoring in Hatayaspor 1-0 win against Kasimpasa in what happens now to be his last game as a footballer, he cancelled his flight set for 11pm with the intention of staying and the unfortunate incident struck at 4am Turkish time leading to his death.

Tributes have been pouring in for the player and his family, following the confirmation of the recovery of his body in the wee-hours on Saturday.

President Nana Akufo- Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Saturday joined hundreds of Ghanaians to pay tribute to Christian Atsu.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, in a Facebook post on Satuday, said Ghana football had lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, adding that he would be sorely missed.

He extended the Government and people of Ghana’s sincere, heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and family of the late footballer.

He said: “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away”… Job 1:21.”

“May his soul rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen!” He added.

Former President John Dramani Mahama, also in a Facebook post, said until the body of the player was recovered, Ghanaians were hopeful for a better news.

He said: “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.”

The former President also extended the condolences of his family to the family of the late footballer and the football fraternity in Ghana.

FIFA

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Christian Atsu.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all those affected by the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.

CAF

CAF is saddened by the tragic passing of Ghana international, Christian Atsu following the earthquake in Turkey.

Atsu, who represented his country 65 times, played for a number of clubs including Everton, Chelsea, Newcastle in England and Porto. At the time of his tragic death, he was plying his trade in Turkey for Hatayspor.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and African Football Family conveys heartfelt condolences to his family and Ghanaian Football Family. May Christian Atsu’s soul rest in peace!

Ghana Football Association

The Ghana Football Association has received the sad news of the recovery of the body of Christian Atsu from the rubble following the earthquake that struck Southern and Central Turkey on Monday, February 6, 2023. May his Soul Rest in Peace

Premier League

We are deeply saddened by the news Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastation of the earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian’s family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic event.

Chelsea, Newcastle United, Bournemouth, FC Porto, Rio Ave and a host of clubs across the globe held a minute silence in honour of Christian Atsu before kick off last weekend.

Atsu’s mortal remains arrived in the country yesterday with plans and preparations for his burial set to be communicated by the family in due course.

Christian Atsu made 60 appearances for the Black Stars scoring 10 goals.

He played in three AFCON tournaments and was adjudged the best player of the 2015 AFCON tournament in Gabon-Equatorial Guinea.

He also played at the 2014 World Cup for the Black Stars.