Hundreds of people, including Ghana’s president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, paid their last respects to the Ghana football star Christian Atsu, who died in last month’s earthquake in Turkey.
The painful loss of Atsu has touched the minds and hearts of compatriots, team mates, friends, family and the nation.
“On the occasion of mourning our son, brother and colleague, we believe that Christian Atsu graciously paid his dues to Mother Ghana, and memories of his commitment and contributions to the national team, the Black Stars, will forever remain in the minds of both present and future generations,” a state tribute read by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, said.
“Christian Atsu continued to serve Ghana through the Black Stars in many assignments, including, the African Cup of Nations in South Africa, 2013, Equatorial Guinea 2015, Gabon 2017 and Egypt in 2019.
“His acclaimed humane nature, friendliness, love for people, commitment to mother Ghana and team spirit were exceptional and deserve emulation. Even at the peak of his career, Atsu remained himself and was never overtaken by pride, arrogance and indiscipline,” the tribute added.
Wife’s tribute
Marie-Claire Rupio, the widow of Atsu, broke down as she attempted to read a tribute at the funeral.
Atsu’s lifeless body was found on Saturday 18 February 2023 after over a week of searching, following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria. Over 50,000 lives were lost.
Maria-Claire Rupio was supported by the couple’s three children – Joshua Christian, Godwin and Abigail – as well as the player’s twin sister, Christiana Atsupie Twasam, to read the tribute.
“Lying before me today is the mortal remains of a beloved father and husband,” her tribute read. “I knew little that morning that God is going to call you home. In life, I loved you dearly. In death I do same. It breaks my heart to lose you.”
“You did not go alone for part of me went with you. Your love is still my guide, and though I cannot see you, you are always so full of life,” the tribute said.
“You seemed to be immortal. Your smile, your love, I see you in our children’s smile.”
Read Marie-Claire Rupio’s tribute to Christian Atsu:
Living for others
Off the pitch, Atsu was admired and loved for his generosity, giving scholarships to poor schoolchildren in Ghana and paying fines for prisoners on remand so they could regain their freedom.
He previously played for Cheetah FC, Rio Ave, FC Porto, AFC Bournemouth, Everton FC and Malaga CF.
He made 65 appearances for Ghana and played in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, where he was adjudged the Best Player in the tournament.
Atsu was also a member of Ghana’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He is survived by his wife and three children.
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