Accra, Ghana – A sombre atmosphere engulfed the Ghanaian capital, Accra, as hundreds of people gathered outside State House to bid farewell to footballer Christian Atsu, who died in the earthquake that rocked Turkey last month. The 31-year-old had spent most of his career playing in the English Premier League for clubs such as Chelsea, Newcastle, and Everton.
Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, was among those present to pay their respects to the fallen football star. Atsu’s widow, Marie-Claire Rupio, was overwhelmed with emotion as she paid tribute to her husband.
“The painful loss of our brother, Christian Atsu has undoubtedly created indelible imprints on the minds and hearts of compatriots, team-mates, friends, families and the nation. The government and Ghanaians, in general, will continue to remember Christian Atsu as one of the committed, dedicated, and results-oriented youth and a football star of our time,” said Mustapha Hamid, Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports.
Christian Atsu was a vital member of the Ghanaian squad that competed in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and he was the player of the tournament at the 2015 African Cup of Nations. His two goals helped Ghana reach the final, where they lost in a penalty shootout to Ivory Coast.
The footballing world mourns the loss of Christian Atsu, who will be remembered as a talented and dedicated player who made a significant impact on the game in Ghana and beyond.
