The deadly Turkish earthquake, which occurred in February 2023, claimed the lives of over 44,000 people, including ex-premier league star Christian Atsu . A few days after the sporting legend passed, his body finally arrived in his home country, Ghana. Here are the details.
Christian’s Remains Arrive Ghana
On Sunday, February 19, one day after he was found dead under a collapsed building in Southern Turkey, 31-year-old Christian’s body was flown home to Accra, Ghana.
Christian’s Body Received With Honor
Christian’s coffin was draped in Ghana’s National flag as it was received at the capital’s Kotoko International Airport by Vice-president Mahamudu Bawumia and a large military honor guard.
Ghana’s Vice-president Shares His Thoughts
Speaking to a crowd of mourners on the tarmac, Mahamudu said everyone had prayed and hoped every day for Christian to be found. Sadly, when the soccer player was finally discovered, he was dead.
Inside Christian’s Demise
The former Newcastle United player had gone missing after the devastating February earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. Twelve days later, Christian’s agent Nana Sechere, announced the tragic news of his passing.
Christian Played For English Clubs
Even though Christian was only 31, he achieved a lot in his soccer career. The star played in some big leagues and even appeared for English club sides Chelsea, Everton, and Newcastle United.
Christian Played In Turkey
At the time of his death, Christian was playing for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor. The Ghanaian player helped his team clinch the victory when he scored the winning goal in Hatayspor’s February 5 match.
Christian Played For His National Team
Besides playing international football, Christian was highly beneficial to the Ghanaian national team. Throughout his career, he wore the Ghana soccer jersey 65 times.
Christian’s Achievements With Ghana
Christian also helped the team reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final, losing to Ivory Coast on penalties. He was last selected to play for Ghana in 2019.
Christian’s Life Away From Sports
Away from his career, Christian was an advocate for children. In 2016, he became an ambassador for the global children’s charity Arms Around The Child (AATC).
Christian Was A Philanthropist
The player was also the main benefactor of a new school nearing completion in Senya, Beraku, Ghana, and visited the project and the children there several times before his demise.
AATC Spokesperson On Christian’s Demise
Following the tragic news, a spokesperson for the AATC opened up about the tragic loss. They revealed everyone was in disbelief as they had hoped Christian would be found alive in the rubble.
Christian Was Unique
They described the player as a truly unique and wonderful man whose legacy will live on through the thousands of lives he helped, adding that Christian would be fresh in their memories as one of the kindest, most humble, and most talented people.
Christian Supported Children
The spokesperson confessed that the AATC was fortunate to have known Christian and would always treasure the support the sporting star gave the children.
Christian Looked Out For Kids In Ghana
According to the spokesperson, Christian believed in giving children a brighter future and the opportunity to succeed. The icon never forgot his roots and didn’t want to see kids abused, imprisoned, trafficked, or affected by HIV.
Christian Was A Delight To See
It was also revealed that whenever Christian visited Senya, the children and community were delighted to see him. They always celebrated his arrival like a hero, father, uncle, and brother.
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Christian Made Everyone Feel Important
Christian was then described as a joyful person who always wore smiles and greeted everyone with hugs, making everyone feel important and letting them know they could succeed in life.
Christian Was A Role Model
Finally, Christian was a role model to many children, as he proved to them that they could have dreams for a better future and that through education, dreams could come true.
Seth Asiedu Shares His Thoughts
Seth Asiedu, the director of one of the homes Christian supported in Senya Beraku, also revealed their hearts were broken by the news of the Christian’s death.
Memories Of Christian Lives On
Seth said the happiness Christian brought to so many would leave a painful void, but they would always remember his kind heart and beaming infectious and joyful smile. Christian has died but will always live in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he impacted.