Ghana gave state funeral honours to former Black Stars and Chelsea participant, Christian Atsu, who died in final month’s earthquake in Turkey, with a ceremony led by President Nana Akufo-Addo. Tributes have been paid to the previous Newcastle winger as he was laid to relaxation in a coffin draped in Ghana’s nationwide colors of crimson, yellow, inexperienced and black with calls to maintain alive the legacy of the participant who “gave his life to humanity”. At the state-assisted funeral held on the forecourt of Accra’s State House, Atsu’s widow Marie-Claire Rupio broke down whereas studying a tribute, saying he left with part of her.
“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,” Rupio mentioned.
“You seemed to be immortal. Your smile, your love, I see you in our children’s smile.”
Traditional performers have been amongst these paying tribute whereas former staff mates wore black-shirts with photos of Atsu on the entrance. Grieving followers lined as much as see his coffin which pay beneath a white marquee tent.
The 31-year-old footballer was found useless on February 18 following the 7.8-magnitude quake that hit southern Turkey and Syria on February 6, killing greater than 50,000 folks in each international locations.
Dignitaries together with Ghana’s vp Mahamudu Bawumia, former president John Mahama, officers from Atsu’s final membership Hatayspor in Turkey, the Ghana FA and most of the people attended the ceremony.
He can be buried in his hometown of Ada on Ghana’s southeast coast.
Beyond the pitch, Atsu was admired and cherished for his philanthropic actions together with giving scholarships to poor schoolchildren in Ghana and in addition paying fines for prisoners to realize their freedom.
Atsu beforehand performed for Cheetah FC, Rio Ave, FC Porto, AFC Bournemouth, Everton FC, and Malaga CF. He made 65 appearances for Ghana and performed on the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea the place he was named the perfect participant of the event.
Atsu was additionally a member of Ghana’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Atsu is survived by his spouse and three kids.
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