The body of Christian Atsu which was recently discovered under the rubble of a collapsed building following Turkey’s earthquake two weeks ago has been flown to his home country of Ghana.
A coffin carrying Atsu’s remains drapped in the Ghanaian national colours was seen being escorted by six military personnel from the Kotoka International Airport on Sunday evening.
The 31-year-old midfielder who at the time of his death was playing for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor had been reporte missing following the February 6th earthquake which hit neighbouring Syria, killing over 44, 000 people.
His lifeless body was pulled out of the rubble of a collapsed building which was his residence in southern Turkey.
Ghana’s Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia who was present while Atsu’s coffin was transported from airports said Ghanaians and the football world have lost a great person, whose love for humanity was beyond doubt.
He said when news broke about his disappearance ”We hoped against hope, every day that passed, we prayed and prayed. But alas, when he was found, he was no more.”
Atsu had 65 caps with Ghana’s Black Stars, reaching the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final and winning its best player award and scoring the goal of the tournament.
He plied his trade with English top tier sides Newcastle, Chelsea and Everton.
Newcastle have paid tribute to him as a ”wonderful person”.
A minute’s silence in his honour was observed before premier league matches in England over the weekend.
In Ghana, Atsu is also remembered for his philantrophic works with were centered around providing relief aid to the poor.
WN/as/APA