National

Rest in Power – Social media users mourn Christian Atsu

Source: Prince Adu-Owusu  
  18 February 2023 9:50am
The late Christian Atsu
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

Ghanaians woke up to bad news in the early hours of Saturday as the update on Ghanaian international footballer Christian Atsu came through.

The winger for Turkish Süper Lig club Hatayspor was trapped under rubble after an earthquake hit the province of Turkey-Syria in the early hours of Monday, February 6.

It was reported that the Hataysport forward and the club's sporting director Taner Savut were unaccounted for after the incident.

The devastating earthquake in Turkey 12 days ago had left friends and loved ones of the player waiting for positive news about a miraculous escape from the disaster.

However, the Turkish club Hatayspor confirmed the death of the 31-year-old in the early hours of Saturday.

The horrible news was first announced by Murat Uzunmehmet, the player’s Turkish agent, at 5:00 am Ghana time.

Ghanaians and fans of the former Black Stars player have been slumped in deep dejection following the news.

Mubarak Wakaso, a former Black Stars player and closest friend of Atsu took to Twitter with a short message saying ‘Rest Well’.

Former Black Stars player, Michael Essien on Twitter also said "Rest Well King".

Another agent of Christian Atsu, Nana Sechere, who has been the source of verified information on the player’s situation with reports from Hatay, confirmed the incident.

“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,” Sechere wrote on Twitter.

“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.”

Former Chelsea defender, John Terry has also reacted to the sad news. On Twitter, he said "RIP my friend".

President Nana Akufo-Addo has joined sympathisers and well-wishers to mourn the untimely passing of Ghanaian international, Christian Atsu.

Taking to his Twitter account, the President extended his condolences to the family of the deceased.

“I extend sincere, heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and family of our fellow Ghanaian, Christian Atsu, on the sad news of his death. Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace. He’ll be sorely missed,” he said.

A Presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party, Alan John Kyeremanteng has also sent his heartfelt condolence to the family of the 31-year-old.

On the micro-blogging site, the former Trade Minister said "My heartfelt condolences to the wife, children and the entire football fraternity on the loss of the international legend, Christian Atsu".

Ghanaian rappers, Sarkodie and Strongman Burner has also eulogised Atsu.

Also, former international clubs where the Ghanaian international played have since reacted to the sad incident.

The Ghana Football Association has also reacted to the death of the former Black Stars player.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in a press release said plans are underway to have the body of Christian Atsu transported to Ghana for burial.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Related to this story





Latest Stories