Children of the late Christian Atsu paid an emotional tribute to the former Ghana international during his final funeral rites on Friday, March.

Joseph Christian, Godwin and Abigail lost their dad in the wake of the devastating earthquake which struck Turkey in February with Atsu being under rubble for 12 days before his lifeless body was recovered.

A member of Atsu’s family read the tribute on the children’s behalf.

“We missed you, dad.

“You loved us for who we were and accepted us for who we were striving to become. You always made us smile and filled us with strength.

“Your strength gave us a sense of protection and love. Now that you are in heaven, we know that you will continue to protect us.

“Thanks for being our dad. We will always love and miss you. Rest well, dad.”

Atsu’s last game was during Hatayspor’s 1-0 win over Kasimpasa in the Turkish top flight as he scored the only goal of the game.

He was then a victim of the unfortunate earthquake that hit parts of Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.