Ten days after he was killed in the terrible Turkish earthquake, Christian Atsu’s body was returned to Ghana amid an outpouring of condolences.
The death of former Newcastle midfielder Atsu was confirmed on Saturday by his agent Nana Sechere, who stated that the player’s body was discovered 12 days after the calamity struck Turkey and Syria, taking almost 44,000 lives.
At the time of his death, Ghanaian international Atsu, who was 31 years old and had previously played for Chelsea, Everton, and Porto, was playing for Turkish Super Lig team Hatayspor.
Atsu, who has been an ambassador for the international children’s charity Arms Around The Child (AATC) since 2016, is the primary benefactor of a new school in Senya Beraku, Ghana, which is approaching completion.
Many times he visited the youngsters and the initiative there.
A representative for AATC stated, “It is with great sorrow and bewilderment that we must write these words.” We clutched onto the hope that Christians would escape the catastrophic earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria and be discovered among the ruins.
Christian Atsu was a truly remarkable individual, and his legacy will live on in the hundreds or thousands of lives he has touched.
He will be remembered as one of the world’s most generous, talented, and modest individuals.
A young boy from Ghana who pursued his aspirations and used his talent and platform to assist others had an exceptionally successful football career.
“Arms About” The Child was privileged to have known Christian and will cherish his support for the children we care for, particularly those in Senya Beraku, where Christian was constructing a school for the local community. Christians believed in providing children with a better future and the chance to succeed.
‘He never forgot his own beginnings and never wanted to see another child abused, incarcerated, infected with HIV, trafficked, or sold.
He was resolved to prevent this using his status as a football player.
‘He had also been assisting The Crime Check Foundation in Ghana with the payment of fines for misdemeanors that resulted in incarceration and the reintegration of ex-offenders into society.
“Every time Christian visited Senya, the children and the community were overjoyed to see him.” They would welcome him not just as a hero, but also as a parent, uncle, or brother, as everyone held him in such high regard.
‘He greeted everyone with smiles and hugs, making each person, youngster and adult alike, feel valued and capable of achieving their goals in life. Christian adored the youngsters and, whenever he arrived, threw off his shoes to play barefoot football with them.
The children looked up to him because he taught them that they can dream of a brighter future and that their aspirations can be realized through education.
“This is why Christian was so enthusiastic about constructing a school: he believed in education for all, especially as a means to solve issues and provide children a better future.”
Seth Asiedu, the director of one of the homes Atsu helped in Senya Beraku, stated, ‘Our hearts are devastated by the news about our dearly loved brother, Christian Atsu.
We were constantly impacted by his presence and filled with delight whenever he arrived.
“The joy he offered to so many will leave a deep vacuum, but we will never forget his kind heart and his contagious, cheerful smile.” Thank you, Christian, for your affection.
»Ex-Premier League star Christian Atsu’s body arrives in Ghana following the Turkey earthquake«