Household, followers and recipients of Christian Atsu's charitable donations remembered the 31-year-old as a philanthropist.
Mourning Ghanaians gathered outdoors the nation's parliament constructing in Accra on Friday for the state funeral of nationwide soccer winger Christian Atsu, who died throughout a devastating earthquake in southern Turkey final month.
Atsu, 31, caught the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing greater than 54,000 individuals in each nations. He went lacking after the collapse of an condominium constructing in Hatay.
Preliminary experiences stated the participant was pulled out alive the day after the earthquake, however these turned out to be false and his physique was later discovered below the rubble and flown again to Ghana.
Mourners quietly filed previous Atsu's coffin, which arrived draped within the Ghanaian nationwide flag. He was remembered as a philanthropist by household, followers and recipients of his charitable donations.
“He's much more than a soccer participant,” stated Fedna Asare, a household pal. “His identify might be in our hearts without end as a result of he helped so many individuals.”
Atsu, 31, spent 4 seasons at Chelsea earlier than making a everlasting transfer to Newcastle in 2017. In September, he signed with Turkish Tremendous Lig aspect Hatayspor, primarily based in Hatay, close to the epicenter of the earthquake.
In September 2019, he gained the final of his 60 caps for Ghana.
Atsu was attributable to fly out of southern Turkey hours earlier than the earthquake, however the Ghanaian determined to remain on the membership after scoring the profitable purpose within the Tremendous League match on 5 February. It was the final of his 33 profession objectives for Hatayspor.
Atsu's older brother and twin sister have been current on the scene when his physique was discovered, Ghana's international ministry stated.
A tribute to Atsu was held on 18 February together with his widow Marie-Claire Rupio and their three youngsters at St James' Park forward of Newcastle's Premier League recreation in opposition to Liverpool.
“There are not any phrases to explain our unhappiness,” his Turkish prime membership tweeted in tribute.
“We gained't overlook you, Atsu. Peace be with you, lovely.”
The funeral of our footballer Christian Atsu who misplaced his life below the particles (particles) is on his technique to his house city, Ghana. We gained't overlook you, Atsu. Peace be with you, magnificence. There are not any phrases to explain our unhappiness.
Relaxation in peace ATSU— Hatayspor (@Hatayspor_FK) February 18, 2023
He beforehand performed for his nationwide staff, the Black Stars.
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo stated: “Soccer has misplaced certainly one of its greatest ambassadors who might be arduous to interchange.
